Muskoka Bird Board - Archived Reports from April – June 2010
 
Return to the Index of Archived Reports
 
Go to the Muskoka Bird Board

 

 

Re(2): Can anyone identify?
Posted on July 1, 2010 at 09:39:29 PM by Ted Gardner

aberrant white throated sparrow, ive had Blue jays and raven show some white. not truly albino.

 

 

Re(1): Can anyone identify?
Posted on July 1, 2010 at 05:20:54 PM by MichaelHatton

Looks to me like a White throated sparrow with an albino head - a morphed individual

 

 

Can anyone identify?
Posted on June 30, 2010 at 05:42:16 PM by CatMacLean

 

This sparrow was below our feeders. Could it be a white-throated?  photo1  photo2

 

 

Re(2): Cedar Waxwings, Bala
Posted on June 29, 2010 at 10:36:05 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

A few years ago, in the fall, I saw Hermit Thrushes eating wild grapes down along the south path at Cranberry Marsh, Whitby. I got a few pictures but not clear enough to show them eating the grapes.

 

 

Re(1): Cedar Waxwings, Bala
Posted on June 28, 2010 at 04:13:31 PM by Al Sinclair

We have Cedar Waxwings here now feeding on Red-berried Elder (photo of berries below). Also eating them are a pair of Veerys, hadn't seen them do this until last year. They are thrushes so I shouldn't have been surprised. The berries are not as good as they look, inedible to humans I would say. 8162 - Red-berried Elder - Sambucus racemosa photo

 

 

Cedar Waxwings, Bala
Posted on June 27, 2010 at 07:13:40 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

The sand fill that was used around my house must have contained pin cherry seeds as a number of the trees are growing and are up to about 12-15 feet tall. This was the first year they flowered and the most of the cherries have been eaten already by chipmunks.

Two Cedar Waxwings just came in and were able to find a few. I have seen them around my lake every year but this is the first time they have come in by the house.

 

 

indigo bunting
Posted on June 25, 2010 at 03:14:20 PM by CarolWagg

We have heard an indigo bunting singing for several hours now, and even caught a glimpse. First time we have seen one in our neighbourhood. 1557 Doe Lake Rd

 

 

Four-lined Plant Bug
Posted on June 24, 2010 at 09:55:18 PM by Barbara Taylor

I found this bug in our yard today and managed to get one photo before it got away. Apparently it is a common garden pest, although I don't recall seeing one before. (Bracebridge) Four-lined Plant Bug (Poecilocapsus lineatus) - photo

 

 

Indigo Bunting
Posted on June 24, 2010 at 02:13:31 PM by Dawn Sherman

For the past two days there has been a male Indigo Bunting on the Hunter's Bay Trail in Huntsville (at the corner of Station Road and Burrow Pit Lane).

 

 

Re(1): Eye of the Luna
Posted on June 29, 2010 at 01:37:16 PM by George bryant

Saturniids--I've only seen two Imperial Moths this year and no Lunas

 

 

Eye of the Luna
Posted on June 23, 2010 at 05:26:31 PM by Al Sinclair

We had another Luna last night, took some more photos (can't stop taking pictures of these amazing creatures). That makes 3 Lunas this year and 3 Polyphemus. The other giant silk moths are absent here at least.  photo

 

 

Re(1): Today's Earthquake...info
Posted on June 23, 2010 at 03:32:31 PM by CatMacLean

Yes we felt it. I had a phone call from my sister in Deep River and her house really shook.( We thought it might have G8 related as we are 2km from Deerhurst but no big planes or tanks going by at the time.) It apparently was centered in Quebec and measured 5.5. My daughter called from District Rd 10 and they felt it and my son just called from Gagetown. They didn't feel it but heard about it on the news.

 

 

Today's Earthquake...info
Posted on June 23, 2010 at 02:46:12 PM by Barbara Taylor

Did you feel the earth move just before 1:45 p.m. today?
Here is the USGS website with official details: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010xwa7.php.
Click on the "Summary" tab and the "Maps" tab for some interesting information on this seismic zone area.

 

 

eastern cougars do exist in Ontario
Posted on June 23, 2010 at 11:45:24 AM by Al Sinclair

Check out this story, results of a 4 years study by MNR. Under the new Ontario endangered species act they now have to develop a recovery plan. There have been several convincing sightings in Muskoka in the last decade. Want to be famous? If you ever see one get a photo, they still don't have one.
http://naturecanadablog.blogspot.com/2010/06/mystery-cats-in-ontario.html

 

 

A Tiger Moth...rare and beautiful
Posted on June 23, 2010 at 11:16:33 AM by Al Sinclair

We had a St. Lawrence Tiger Moth here this morning, only the second in the last 10 years. Its larvae eat many different plants so it seems that climate limits its range, they are more common north of here. A photo of the same species taken in Algonquin was posted on the Simcoe Board recently. 8km east of Bracebridge.

8162 - St. Lawrence Tiger Moth - Platarctia parthenos  photo

 

 

Female Oriole spotted
Posted on June 23, 2010 at 00:02:31 AM by mikew

Female Oriole Spotted today in the rain investigating the Oriole Feeder... Im on Penetang Bay

 

 

Re(2): Bats have disappeared
Posted on June 24, 2010 at 11:08:46 AM by GayleCarlyle

Earlier in the spring, when the evenings were warm and there were no mosquitoes, we sat outside on our back deck at dusk and watched about 1 dozen small and larger bats zip back and forth in our backyard.
We haven't seen any lately but then again the mosquitoes have forced us indoors before dark.

 

 

Re(1): Bats have disappeared
Posted on June 23, 2010 at 00:04:28 AM by mikew

Hi im on Penetang Bay,,,,,we still have bats...And a large Black Bear in the area that has been reported..

 

 

Re(1): Bats have disappeared
Posted on June 22, 2010 at 07:04:18 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

Keep looking Debbie! Lets hope the bats return! Cheers Terry

 

 

Bats have disappeared
Posted on June 21, 2010 at 07:24:19 PM by Debbie Adams

The last entry about Nighthawks and Bats reminded me to post that we haven't seen a single bat this year. Usually we have lots and are regaled by their evening acrobatics. There certainly isn't a shortage of flying insects around here, so I presume they have become victims of white nose syndrome.
(Walker's Point)

 

 

Re(2): Nighthawks & bats
Posted on June 22, 2010 at 07:02:45 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

Excellent to hear! Bats seem to have been hit hard in Muskoka. I'm so pleased to hear you have seen some. I also have fresh droppings by our side door so I know they are in the plastic siding! Cheers Terry

 

 

Re(1): Nighthawks & bats
Posted on June 22, 2010 at 12:16:14 PM by Kip Daynard

We have a resident bat (little brown i believe) who is a great help with catching insects around the house.  He (she?) perches for quite some time most nights under the overhang of our stoop. We always know if he's been there by the presence of fresh droppings outside our front door.

I've also seen several recently after sunset along N. Muldrew Lake Rd., Gravenhurst

 

 

Nighthawks & bats
Posted on June 20, 2010 at 05:06:47 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

Friday night about 8pm, I was very pleased to hear Nighthawks circling around the lake 8km east of Washago. As I looked for the Nighthawk I also saw a bat fly by low over the water. Bats have declined in our area so it was great to see one. Looked like a little brown bat. Cheers Terry

 

 

Re(1): Butterflies, Bala - Photo
Posted on June 21, 2010 at 06:56:46 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Yesterday morning from Big Eddy to half way back to the parking lot off Ragged Rapids Rd I counted 2 dozen White Admirals and two Monarchs. There were caterpillars,about one week of age, on the milkweed in several spots so there have been Monarchs there for about two weeks. The larva are in their 4th instar at 13-25 mm.

 

 

Butterflies, Bala - Photo
Posted on June 19, 2010 at 12:03:36 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

While driving around Bala this morning I found 2 very faded Monarchs, 1 Monarch egg, 8 caterpillars about 1/2 size.
Many - at least 12, White Admirals, and one that wasn't, nectaring on fully open Dogbane. The one that wasn't turns out to be a Red-spotted Purple. photo

I see it on the 2000 Muskoka Butterfly Count list.  I don't think I have ever seen one before which isn't surprising as I consider myself a beginner at butterfly ID and am up to about eight!

 

 

Vesper Sparrows
Posted on June 19, 2010 at 08:14:21 AM by dbritton

Yesterday morning (June 18) there were two Vesper Sparrows singing on Airport Road / Gravenhurst Parkway. They were along northernmost section of the Muskoka Airport fenceline, right beside the road.

 

 

Butterflies and Flower Flies
Posted on June 18, 2010 at 09:35:02 PM by Barbara Taylor

Yesterday we had a Milbert's Tortoiseshell fly through our yard, stopping briefly on some blue Bellflowers. There are still a few White Admirals visiting what's left of the Mock Orange blooms, but the Red Admirals seem to have all disappeared. Not very many Monarchs around so far this year. (Bracebridge)

Several flower flies are impressive mimics of wasps. Today this pair sure had me fooled until I got close enough to take some photos.
Family Syrphidae - appears to be Temnostoma alternans  photo  photo2

 

 

Two good birds
Posted on June 16, 2010 at 09:48:01 AM by Alex Mills

Yesterday (June 15) I was exploring central Parry Sound District. I stopped at a wayside gravel pit south of Ahmic Lake and was surprised to find a Water Pipit, a bird which should be in the tundra long before now. It could fly, but perhaps not strongly, and so it may still be down here in the south because of some disability.

Later, at Ardbeg, I found 4 Red Crossbills, a species that I haven't seen in the area for a few years.
Sadly, I also found a dead (road-killed) Hognose Snake about 10 km south of Ardbeg.

 

 

Cyrano Darner
Posted on June 15, 2010 at 11:27:09 PM by DiannaWolfe

Although found east of Sebright and not in Muskoka, I thought I would post this interesting photo of a Cyrano Darner from last week. This dragonfly is ranked S3 in Ontario, meaning it is uncommon to rare. Adults are rarely seen; however, in surveys of lakes in Muskoka and Haliburton, exuviae (larval casings from which adults emerge) have been found with some frequency (see Jones CD, et al. The Dragonflies and Damselflies of Algonquin Provincial Park and the Surrounding Area, page 86).

The distinguishing features of this large dragonfly include bright blue eyes and a large light-blue protuberance jutting out from the dragonfly's face. This protuberance is reminiscent of the nose of Cyrano de Bergerac, for whom the dragonfly is named. In this photo, the Cyrano Darner is ingesting another smaller dragonfly.  photo

 

 

Phoebes, Bala
Posted on June 15, 2010 at 09:43:25 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Five Eastern Phoebe chicks fledged yesterday morning. I didn't get to watch them leave but have been photographing and videoing them from my car so as not to disturb them.

I had convinced myself that the eggs were not going to hatch as it seemed to be taking much too long. The nest was complete May 5th. The birders handbook says that Eastern Phoebes incubate for 12-13 days. That takes it to May 18. They fledge in 14-18 days. At the longest that takes us to June 5. So, she couldn't have started incubating until May 15th.  Maybe if I'm not engrossed in editing phoebe video I'll get to see the next ones fledge!

 

 

Nesting Material
Posted on June 15, 2010 at 09:28:54 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Both Chipping Sparrows and Yellow-rumped Warblers have been collecting material. The sparrows are looking for dead pine needles and the yellow-rumps have been collecting dead grass.

 

 

Black-billed Cuckoo - Muldrew Lake
Posted on June 14, 2010 at 09:55:10 AM by Kip Daynard

A Black-billed Cuckoo has been singing on and off from the trees at the end of my driveway since 9am this morning (as of 1:10pm).
1343 North Muldrew Lake Rd.

 

 

Clay-colored Sparrow - update
Posted on June 10, 2010 at 03:04:40 PM by Barbara Taylor

Just got back from a walk around the neighbourhood...either the Clay-colored Sparrow by #72 Meadow Heights has moved, or we've found another one. It was singing from a spruce tree at the east side of #40 Meadow Heights Dr., a couple houses west of Kevin Cres. (Bracebridge)

 

 

Re(1): Curious Great Blue Heron
Posted on June 10, 2010 at 01:40:13 PM by Bob Burt

A few years ago we also had a blue heron that would frequently enter our boathouse on Lake Muskoka.It liked to patiently fish in the boat slip where, in the shadow, it could see the fish very clearly.

 

 

Curious Great Blue Heron
Posted on June 10, 2010 at 09:17:50 AM by Chris

June 9th we watched the resident Heron on our dock and
then the Heron decided to explore our boathouse. Quite
a funny sight to watch it walk into the boathouse and
not come out for a few minutes. It then walked under the
back walkway to the top of the boathouse and then was
out of our sight. I will call it Curious George. They
do nest in the bushes right? not in boats.

 

 

Torrance Barrens
Posted on June 9, 2010 at 11:13:51 AM by Kip Daynard

Tuesday evening I did a series of stops about a mile apart from 9:30 until 10pm along Southdown Rd. between the Barrens parking lot and Torrance. I counted a total of 20 Whip-poor-wills, 5 Common Nighthawks and 1 Wilson's Snipe including 5 Whip-poor-wills at one stop. I might have heard even more except train noise interfered at two of the stops. One Whip-poor-will was sitting on the side of the road, its eyes gleaming in the headlights of the car.

I also hiked the Pine Ridge Loop from 7:45 until 9:30pm and found good numbers of the following: American Bittern (5), Veery, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Brown Thrasher (8+), Eastern Towhee (10+), Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Indigo Buntings, American Goldfinch. Also present were Hermit Thrush, White-throated Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Black-and-White Warbler, American Redstart, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Blue Heron.

A Kingfisher and a Bittern flew over Southdown Rd. just south of Torrance.

In the open fields along Hwy 169 near Parker's Point Rd. there were at least 3 pairs of Bobolinks and many Savannah Sparrows.

 

 

Re(1): Hummingbirds?
Posted on June 9, 2010 at 07:59:46 PM by dinnymccraney

Haven't seen more than a few (in Bracebridge) for about 2 weeks now. I figured they had gone further north because it was so warm here. Now that it is cold,I can't imagine what they must be thinking!

 

 

Hummingbirds?
Posted on June 9, 2010 at 09:24:06 AM by FrancesGualtieri

The weigela bush is covered in red flowers, and so is the honeysuckle vine - but there is not a hummingbird in sight. I wonder if this up-and-down weather has been hurting their numbers. (We don't have a feeder because of bears - I prefer to plant flowers that will attract them.)
Frances Gualtieri
Vankoughnet

 

 

blue grosbeak
Posted on June 9, 2010 at 07:47:22 AM by Wayne Bridge

One of my seed customers called yesterday afternoon to report a positive ID of a blue grosbeak (Hwy 518 West about 1 mile west of Emsdale airport - where the army is now camped out). I recall two years ago, I think it was Kip Daynard, one was reported at nearby Bay Lake. Lucky people, I've never seen one.

 

 

Re(1): Wrens
Posted on June 8, 2010 at 09:31:26 AM by Kip Daynard

Alex, I found a Sedge Wren in one square on the south-east side of Burk's Falls while atlassing for the OBBA in 2004. That was and still is the only Sedge Wren I've found in Parry Sound district.
Kip

 

 

Wrens
Posted on June 7, 2010 at 06:17:45 PM by Alex Mills

I did the Sand Lake Breeding Bird Survey this morning (June 7) and found the usual list of avian characters. One new species was a bit of a surprise: two Sedge Wrens were singing in a wetland near Burk's Falls.

 

 

Luna Moth...Bracebridge last Friday...Photo
Posted on June 7, 2010 at 04:34:25 PM by Al Sinclair

This Luna was at our moth light on Friday June 4. There are some things I can't stop photographing even when I already have dozens of decent shots. This one was in very good condition and showed me the hind wing eye-spots. 8km east of Bracebridge.  7758 Arctias luna - Luna Moth  photo

 

 

Re(1): Clay-colored Sparrow....yup
Posted on June 7, 2010 at 12:18:48 PM by Barbara Taylor

Today at 12:10 p.m. confirmed by sight. It was singing from the top of a spruce tree next to the sidewalk west of #72 Meadow Heights Dr. where the road goes into a loop.

 

 

Clay-colored Sparrow?
Posted on June 6, 2010 at 08:33:09 PM by Barbara Taylor

On a walk around our neighbourhood today we heard a repetitive two note buzz that sounded like a Clay-colored Sparrow. It was coming from behind #72 Meadow Heights Dr. in an area where there are spruce trees, which from past experience is what this bird likes to sing from. (Bracebridge)

 

 

Algonquin East birds
Posted on June 6, 2010 at 10:54:31 AM by Ontbirds

*This report was originally posted by Peter Hall on ONTBIRDS (June 6, 2010) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.

Hi Ontbirders:
Yesterday, I attended the Algonquin East butterfly count with Ken Allison. However, the weather was pretty miserable for butterflies, so spent an equal amount of time looking for birds. Ken and I were assigned the area that covered the last 10 km of the Barron Canyon Road to the east of Lake Travers. This is mostly sandy, Jack Pine country. Among the birds seen/heard were Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided and Alder Flycatcher, Gray Jay, 15 species of warbler (including Cape May), Indigo Bunting and Evening Grosbeak.

good birding
Peter Hall

Directions (adapted from Neily Birding World): To reach the Algonquin Park eastern access (the Sand Lake Gate), drive west along Highway 17 to the northwest of Renfrew for about 52 km (about 6 km beyond Pembroke) to the turnoff on the left at the sign for Lake Traverse, Achray campground, Barron Canyon and Sand Lake Gate of Algonquin Park. Turn left and proceed around 30 km on Barron Canyon Road to Sand Lake Gate and the park. Access to Lake Traverse is near km 72.

 

 

Cedar Waxwings
Posted on June 5, 2010 at 03:47:50 PM by David Hatch

Watched about a dozen cedar waxwings in a mountain ash this morning at Clevelands House in Minett. Two of them sat next to one another on a branch and passed a berry back and forth between them about ten times. Would this be some sort of courting ritual?

 

 

Re(1): Semipalmated Sandpipers
Posted on June 6, 2010 at 01:29:57 PM by Barbara Taylor

Couldn't find the Dunlin this morning but there were four Semipalmated Sandpipers on the north shore of cell 3 towards the east end.

 

 

Dunlin, Shoveler
Posted on June 5, 2010 at 11:38:50 AM by Barbara Taylor

Just got back from the Bracebridge Ponds...
There was a male Northern Shoveler in cell 3 and a Dunlin at the south shore of cell 1. An Eastern Kingbird was perched on the fence near the plant north of cell 1. An Indigo Bunting was singing south-east of cell 4. A Belted Kingfisher was perched in a dead tree north of cell 4. The Hooded Merganser is down to only five chicks now in cell 4, after starting out with ten. The Goodyears report the Sora and Virginia Rail were calling from west of cell 4.
Bracebridge Ponds Map (north approx. at top and west at left):  http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/naturepics/birdboard/pondsmap.jpg

 

 

Henry Marsh
Posted on June 4, 2010 at 07:17:30 PM by Barbara Taylor

This morning there was an Indigo Bunting singing from high atop the pine tree in the open area to your left as the trail leaves the forest - first one we've seen this year. Numerous White Admiral butterflies were by the "T" in the trail. A Black-billed Cuckoo was calling from the shrubbery north of the little bridge. About a dozen Ebony Jewelwing damselflies were flitting around down by the creek where the water exits the culverts...seemed to be all males except one female perched on a plant. There were Golden-winged Warblers singing from three different spots - west of the marsh, east of the marsh, and west of the trail in the open area. An Eastern Kingbird was perched in a dead tree east of the marsh - first one we've seen this year. There didn't seem to be any blackflies and relatively few mosquitoes in the woods...but tons of deer flies buzzing about.

 

Map of the area with notes about the trails...a work in progress. Click in the left-hand menu or on a marker or trail for information - switch from default satellite view to street map view - zoom in or out - move to different areas by "dragging" the map.

 

 

Moose
Posted on June 4, 2010 at 07:49:17 AM by janice house

This morning at 6:45 Casey and I watched a moose in the paddock of the old Dinsmore sheep farm, it took its time browsing and finally disappeared in the alders along the creek. 1160 Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst

 

 

Re(1): Eastern Red Damsel... Provincial Status (SRANK)
Posted on June 3, 2010 at 11:10:33 AM by Al Sinclair

Just received a message from Colin Jones at NHIC. Eastern Red Damsel has been downgraded recently from S3 to S4 because of the new data coming in to the Ontario Odonata Atlas project. We still need to find it in Muskoka though.
S3 = Rare to Uncommon 20 to 100 occurrences in the province.
S4 = Common secure in the province more than 100 locations.

 

 

Eastern Red Damsel
Posted on June 2, 2010 at 01:15:54 PM by Al Sinclair

OK not in Muskoka, we were over at Bruce National Park last weekend with the Muskoka Field Naturalists taking in the Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival. We were out on Flowerpot Island looking for orchids when Ron and Rose Stager pointed out a little red damselfly. Hard to see the markings because it was only about an inch long (2.5cm), had some black on the top side so I thought it was the orange immature of Eastern Forktail, no big deal. But because it was hard to see I took a photo. Yesterday a closer look at the photos showed that it was a female Eastern Red Damsel, a rare species in Ontario, no records for Muskoka or Parry Sound, 1 from Algonquin Park. The photo and link to the Odonata Atlas range map below. BTW we saw 11 species of orchids including Calypso and Ram's Head Lady's Slipper.

Amphiagrion saucium - Eastern Red Damsel - female ... photo   range map

 

 

Are the Red Headed Woodpeckers here now
Posted on June 2, 2010 at 12:37:24 PM by Mikew

Are the Red Headed Woodpeckers here now...have You seen them.photographed them...Im thinking the Red Bellied has been seen....Pls advise thanks

 

 

Baby foxes
Posted on June 2, 2010 at 08:51:11 AM by Chris

During the month of May have seen a mother Fox and several
babies playing on the road at the junction of South Portage and Whitehouse Roads - Obviously not a safe place
to be - momma seems to have made her den in the culvert-
thanks go to someone who put- CAUTION- BABY FOXES - ALL AROUND - sign attached to the road sign

 

 

Re(1): Geese and More Geese
Posted on June 2, 2010 at 08:16:40 PM by Barbara Taylor

We saw about thirty come in for a landing at the Bracebridge Ponds a few days ago, but they didn't stay long. Every year around this time large flocks of Canada Geese can be seen heading north. The Bird Board archives have reports of large flocks heading north between May 27 and June 4 in previous years.

Excerpt from Canadian Hinterland:
"In addition to the annual migration from breeding to wintering grounds, Canada Geese sometimes undertake a special voyage called a moult migration. Every year, geese must replace their worn-out flight feathers. The feathers are replaced all at once, so the geese cannot fly during the four- to five-week moulting period. The best places for the geese during this time are those with lots of open water where the birds can seek refuge if threatened and where they may find a good supply of the protein-rich food needed for growing new feathers. Most of the geese that don’t breed during the season undertake this migration, which usually involves travelling north, often well beyond the normal breeding range, between late May and early June. Successful breeders moult later in the season, remaining with their young goslings, which have not begun to fly."

 

 

Geese and More Geese
Posted on June 2, 2010 at 08:44:44 AM by Chris

May 29th spotted a large group of all adult Geese on
Lake of Bays - stopped counting at 50

 

 

Ruddy Duck - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on June 1, 2010 at 08:44:34 PM by Barbara Taylor

Checked the Ponds tonight and found a female Ruddy Duck in cell 2. A female Common Goldeneye was in cell 4. A Wood Duck with ducklings was in cell 4 as well as the Hooded Merganser with her young. A Sharp-shinned Hawk flew in low over cell 4 and seemed to take an interest in the Merganser chicks, but then continued on west of the pipeline. A Sora and Virginia Rail were calling from west of cell 4. (cell 2 is the one right in front of the viewing stand on the hill at Kerr Park)

 

 

Re(1): Aurora Damsel...brown female
Posted on June 2, 2010 at 07:04:38 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Well, doesn't that make them even more confusing!!!

 

 

Aurora Damsel...brown female
Posted on June 1, 2010 at 07:29:10 PM by Al Sinclair

Photographed this pair today in our yard, this species was new to our pond last year. Females usually look like males but sometimes lack blue colouration like the brown form in the photo. This is the only pond damsel that sits with it's wings apart like a spreadwing damsel.  Chromagrion conditum - Aurora Damsel photo

 

 

Bluebird
Posted on June 1, 2010 at 08:50:27 AM by janice house

Happy to report bluebirds nesting in one of the boxes in our front yard. The male was here last week and this morning he was doing the wing-wave on top of the box. Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst

 

 

Re(1): Moths...first Giant Silkworm...Lettered Habrosyne photo
Posted on June 1, 2010 at 10:27:05 PM by Al Sinclair

Ted Gardner reports that yesterday there was a Luna Moth below a security light behind Home Depot in Bracebridge.

 

 

Moths...first Giant Silkworm...Lettered Habrosyne photo
Posted on May 31, 2010 at 02:40:44 PM by Al Sinclair

We had a Polyphemus here last night, first of the giant silkworm moths this year. Also a Lettered Habrosyne, photo below. Larvae feeds on birch and on Rubus species such as blackberry and raspberry, etc. (Handfield, 1999). 8km east of Bracebridge.  6235 - Habrosyne scripta - Lettered Habrosyne  photo

 

 

Re(2): There used to be far more...
Posted on June 4, 2010 at 07:51:36 AM by janice house

I had one in our yard yesterday, there is usually one in the yard at 1169 Doe Lake Rd. Several old elms on the property near the creek.

 

 

Re(1): There used to be far more orioles...
Posted on June 1, 2010 at 11:26:02 AM by Al Sinclair

Dutch elm disease has killed most of their favourite nest trees. They used to nest in mature elms exclusively. Elms all started dieing in the 70's so they have had to adapt to other tree species, often birch. This could be part of the problem, but also their favourite food is declining, moth caterpillars. Their hasn't been a major outbreak of forest tent caterpillars since the early 80's. These cyclic occurrences of abundant food can boost the population of birds for several years.

 

 

There used to be far more orioles...
Posted on May 31, 2010 at 10:02:21 PM by Alex Mills

...during the 1970s and 1980s in Muskoka and Parry Sound (and in Sudbury, Algonquin Park and Haliburton too). I can no longer find them at Magnetawan in central Parry Sound.

 

 

Re(1): Where are the orioles
Posted on May 31, 2010 at 09:43:02 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

I photographed orioles at Torrance Barrens on May 16th.
Arni Stinnissen and I did a Grassland Bird Survey near Seabright this morning and hear an oriole on one of our stops.

 

 

Re(1): Where are the orioles
Posted on May 31, 2010 at 08:00:59 PM by Kip Daynard

Honestly, I still have yet to see an Oriole in Muskoka/Parry Sound, although only moved to Muskoka proper 18 months ago (lived in Almaguin Highlands near Kearney before). My impression is that they are more common in town and settled areas than out in the woods?

Hummingbirds do seem more scarce this year. We've seen one on and off since May 16th but I've only seen it at our feeder once. I've been struggling to keep my feeder in feed as something keeps drinking it dry during the night... i suspect raccoons as there are always muddy footprints on the feeder. I've tried several different locations around the house and seem to finally have found one he can't reach!

 

 

Re(1): Where are the orioles
Posted on May 31, 2010 at 02:37:58 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

We have seen orioles on McArthur sideroad south off Coopers Falls road about 7k east of Washago. I must admit we have not seen a hummer yet but we are not running any feeders at present due to a big old black bear who is hanging around! Cheers Terry

 

 

Re(1): Where are the orioles
Posted on May 31, 2010 at 06:58:20 AM by J. Gardner

Here in Hurdville (Manitouwabing area) we haven't had our usual one oriole this year. Too, our hummers seem to be down to just two pairs. Slow going this summer, as it was in the winter.

 

 

Re(1): Where are the orioles
Posted on May 30, 2010 at 10:32:23 PM by Barbara Taylor

I've been seeing lots of both species in the Bracebridge area.

 

 

Where are the orioles
Posted on May 30, 2010 at 09:23:36 PM by mikew

Where are the Orioles... I think that not as many come to this area anymore... do you all agree.... also hummingbirds are down as well I believe....Please comment thanks

 

 

Re(2): Butterfly magnet
Posted on June 2, 2010 at 07:07:55 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Maybe its because you have the only blooming lilac left. Mine has been finished for almost two weeks and nothing yet to take its place.

 

 

Re(1): Butterfly magnet
Posted on June 1, 2010 at 08:54:51 PM by Barbara Taylor

Today a White Admiral joined the other butterflies in our yard. (Bracebridge)

 

 

Butterfly magnet
Posted on May 30, 2010 at 07:41:59 PM by Barbara Taylor

Our Lilac is in full bloom and is a great butterfly magnet. Today I managed to count 13 Red Admirals, 6 Canadian Tiger Swallowtails, 2 Monarchs, 1 Mourning Cloak, 1 Juvenal's Duskywing, and 1 Eastern Comma. There was also a White-striped Black Moth and a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe).

 

 

Re(1): Lagoons - Black-bellied Plover
Posted on May 29, 2010 at 12:36:38 PM by Barbara Taylor

Don Bailey just called to report the bird was still there around noon at the west end of cell 3.

Bracebridge Ponds map (north approx. at top and west at left):  http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/naturepics/birdboard/pondsmap.jpg

 

 

Lagoons - Black-bellied Plover
Posted on May 29, 2010 at 11:05:50 AM by Goodyear

We checked out the lagoons this morning hoping that yesterday's rain may have put down some shorebirds and were happy to find a single Black-bellied Plover in full breeding plumage in Cell 3, towards the west side of the cell. We also saw a female Hooded Merganser with 10 young in the northwest corner of cell 4.

 

 

scarlet tanager
Posted on May 28, 2010 at 01:28:38 PM by John Challis

He was hidden behind a couple of big pines but the song was that of a scarlet tanager this morning. Also had our first Eastern wood peewee this morning in our backyard - Green River Drive, Washago.
The morning walk included common yellowthroat, chestnut sided, Nashville, black-and-white warblers. And either a pine warbler or a chipping sparrow. Lots of ovenbirds calling this morning, but the house wrens on Cooper's Falls Road had fallen silent today; no winter wren either and he's been doing beebop solos right through the hottest mornings this week. Gayle also found a female red-eyed vireo on her nest at the edge of our yard by the road.
There are several veeries calling on our road as well. We haven't had this many in the previous three years we have been here.

 

 

Yes it was calling, at about 6:45 am
Posted on May 30, 2010 at 01:19:25 PM by Alex Mills

(no message)

 

 

Re(1): Two new species for Magnetawan
Posted on May 28, 2010 at 03:19:02 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

Excellent sightings Alex. Was the Least bittern calling? Cheers Terry

 

 

Two new species for Magnetawan
Posted on May 28, 2010 at 12:54:20 PM by Alex Mills

Early this morning I went for a kayak in a large wetland near Magnetawan in central Parry Sound District. I have often passed this wetland thinking it would be worth exploring and it was. Although I heard no rails, I was delighted to find a Least Bittern. Not far away a Blue-winged Warbler was singing constantly, and I got a good look at him just to make sure he wasn't an odd Golden-winged or a hybrid.

I have been birding here since 1972, and these represent two new species in one morning!

 

 

Northern Parula still present...east of Bracebridge
Posted on May 26, 2010 at 12:15:26 PM by Al Sinclair

The Parula reported previously on May 19 is still singing across the road from #1852 Hwy 118E, 8km east of Bracebridge. Yesterday and today sang from 11:30am to 12pm, yesterday also from 3:30pm to 4:00.

 

 

Re(1): swifts tonight
Posted on May 31, 2010 at 02:02:39 PM by Doug Smith

Saw 2 swifts in Port Carling, over Joseph Street near the library, yesterday, (Sunday)afternoon.

 

 

Re(1): swifts tonight
Posted on May 26, 2010 at 12:08:34 PM by Al Sinclair

May 19 evening, MNR recovery team observed 6 swifts flying over Bracebridge.

 

 

swifts tonight
Posted on May 25, 2010 at 11:19:54 PM by DBurton

My count for downtown Gravenhurst this evening was 11 Chimney Swifts

 

 

Re(2): Glen Orchard, Chestnut-sided Warbler Variant? - Photos
Posted on May 25, 2010 at 08:50:11 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

That's what I thought, Dan. He looks pretty rough but was really singing strongly.

 

 

Re(1): Glen Orchard, Chestnut-sided Warbler Variant? - Photos
Posted on May 25, 2010 at 07:04:56 PM by DBurton

This bird is still in fall plumage and has not yet completed a spring molt. This could mean he experienced an unhealthy winter.

 

 

Glen Orchard, Chestnut-sided Warbler Variant? - Photos
Posted on May 25, 2010 at 05:44:25 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

This morning while attempting to photograph a White-throated Sparrow a Chesnut-sided Warbler came in. I have found that almost anytime I use a bit of tape to bring a bird closer that a chestnut sided will come in to check things out.

This one was singing loudly and strongly even though it was not in breeding plumage. It appeared to have a mate following it around though.

Male Chestnut-sided Warbler singing photo1   photo2

This female accompanied the above male. Note that the female has a shadow across her face. I have not enhanced any of these images for colour.  photo

 

 

Juvenal's Duskywing...Bracebridge
Posted on May 25, 2010 at 02:17:43 PM by Al Sinclair

This "fresh" Juvenal's Duskywing was flying in our yard today. 8km east of Bracebridge.

3947 Erynnis juvenalis - Juvenal's Duskywing  photo1  photo2

 

 

Black-billed Cuckoo, Nighthawk, Blackpoll etc.
Posted on May 25, 2010 at 08:43:30 AM by Kip Daynard

Sunday morning (May 24th) I awoke to the sound of a Black-billed Cuckoo calling outside my window. I grabbed my binoculars and headed out for a short walk.

Frustratingly, the Cuckoo stopped singing as soon as I opened the door and I was unable to locate it, but I did find 12 warbler species within about a 1/2km of my door including 3 singing Blackpolls, a Mourning, 3 Blackburnians, a Black-and-White, several Pine, 2 Black-throated Blues, a Yellow-rumped as well as many Nashvilles, Ovenbirds, Redstarts, Chestnut-sideds and Yellows.

Up on the rocky ridge above my house I found at least 3 pairs of Indigo Buntings, a Towhee, 20 or so Cedar Waxwings, Field and White-throated Sparrows. Veeries, Red-eyed Vireos, an Eastern Wood-Pewee and Scarlet Tanager were singing in the woods. In the little wetland near Indian Landing there was a Catbird, Swamp Sparrow and Least Flycatcher among others. A Pileated Woodpecker was calling from the island across from the landing.

Early Sunday afternoon I heard my first Common Nighthawk of the year from somewhere near the trailer park. Whip-poor-wills are calling nightly.

N. Muldrew Lake.
Gravenhurst

 

 

Re(2): Moths...Oak Beauty photo, Bracebridge
Posted on May 25, 2010 at 02:30:02 PM by Al Sinclair

This one was attracted to a porch light and landed on the door. Night flying moths often just sit when light levels are high around a light, much like they would do to conceal themselves during the day.
Don't catch them anymore, invested in a ring light that allows them to be easily photographed anywhere they are found. Used to be we would catch them and stick them in a refrigerator for a few hours to slow them down, then you had about 2 minutes to get the lighting and background correct before they took off. Not very nice treatment for the poor moth, wouldn't want that to happen to me just for a photograph.

 

 

Re(1): Moths...Oak Beauty photo, Bracebridge
Posted on May 25, 2010 at 08:46:20 AM by Kip Daynard

Al, How do you catch the moths and get them to sit still for the photographs? Do you ever collect specimens?

 

 

Moths...Oak Beauty photo, Bracebridge
Posted on May 24, 2010 at 05:13:08 PM by Al Sinclair

The warm nights recently have brought out some new moths. This morning we had 4 species of Sphinx moths: Waved, One-eyed, Apple and Walnut. Last night we photographed a nicely marked specimen of Oak Beauty, see below. Apparently they feed on my other trees besides oak, widespread in Muskoka but not common.

6763 Phaeoura quernaria - Oak Beauty  photo

 

 

Henry Marsh
Posted on May 24, 2010 at 03:13:21 PM by Barbara Taylor

We had a very late start to our birding this morning, not getting over to the marsh until 11 a.m., but nevertheless the birding was excellent...and not a single blackfly! Here are some of the highlights.

A Blackburnian greeted us at the parking area and a short ways along the trail there was Ovenbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Black-throated Green Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Red-breasted Nuthatch. As we walked out of the forest into the open area there was Gray Catbird, Common Yellowthroat, Golden-winged Warbler, and Chestnut-sided Warbler. Alder Flycatchers were calling from several spots, and we heard a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker "knocking" south of the marsh.

A Pied-billed Grebe called several times from the back of the marsh, and unlike other times when it remained hidden from view, he stayed out in the open for us. A Broad-winged Hawk called as it flew overhead, and Baltimore Orioles sang from the back of the marsh. Three Turkey Vultures soared past along the ridgeline.

We decided to take our chances with the mosquitoes and headed east along the trail towards the Bracebridge Ponds. Surprisingly the bugs weren't bad except for a few pesky Deer Flies. A Ruffed Grouse was sitting on a large log visible from the trail, and we could hear it drumming as we walked along. Near the "dip" in the trail we added Nashville Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, and a Scarlet Tanager which sang from the woods south of the trail. I thought I heard a Wilson's Warbler, but it only sang once and we couldn't find it. A Winter Wren sang briefly, as though not to be outdone by the "summer" birds.

As we approached the large open marsh area just west of the pipeline, we heard the call of a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Then there she was, conveniently flying in to perch in plain view for several minutes. We continued on, walking along the west side of cell 4 at the Bracebridge Ponds. Here we found what seemed like "zillions" of Yellow Warblers, several Warbling Vireos, American Redstart, and a Green Heron. The Sedge Wren was calling steadily from the same spot as yesterday.

On our drive home, there was a Wild Turkey strolling along the mowed grass near the road by the TransCanada compressor station on Beaumont Dr.


Map of the area with notes about the trails...a work in progress. Click in the left-hand menu or on a marker or trail for information - switch from default satellite view to street map view - zoom in or out - move to different areas by "dragging" the map.

 

 

Black-billed cuckoo
Posted on May 24, 2010 at 08:49:46 AM by CatMacLean

Heard a black-billed cuckoo this am in Huntsville

 

 

Nashville Warbler
Posted on May 23, 2010 at 09:10:23 PM by MichaelHatton

Nashville Warbler- Leonard Lake

 

 

Re(1): Nighthawks
Posted on May 24, 2010 at 06:15:05 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

Nighthawks continued to "peeep" around the lake last night well past darkness. Food supply must be good. They seemed to be very high up as I could not see any of them, even before darkness fell. Nice bird! Lots of whippoorwills after dark that continued through the night! 10km east of Washago! Cheers Terry

 

 

Re(1): Nighthawks
Posted on May 24, 2010 at 10:30:31 AM by janice house

we heard them on Doe Lake Rd too, Moira Payne heard one north of Bracebridge near Hillman Lake

 

 

Nighthawks
Posted on May 23, 2010 at 07:31:38 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

Nighthawks have been "beeping" around the lake the last 2 nights after 6PM. Very very nice to hear them in Muskoka! 10 km east of Washago! Cheers Terry

 

 

Chimney Swifts
Posted on May 23, 2010 at 06:28:32 PM by janice house

Yesterday and today I heard the birds around the Independant Grocery store in Gravenhurst.

 

 

Sedge Wren update
Posted on May 23, 2010 at 12:38:09 PM by Barbara Taylor

The Sedge Wren first reported May 15 on the Baillie Birdathon was singing almost continuously today around 11:30 a.m. (Bracebridge Ponds west of cell 4, about two-thirds of the way down)

 

 

Gull attacking merganser
Posted on May 23, 2010 at 11:27:05 AM by bonnieDeVillers

This morning at the bay I watched four females mergansers and one male swimming peacfully together when a gull, not sure if it was a Herring or ring-billed could not see bill, attacked one female about three times, then the flock flew away. The gull flew after them but did not attack after that. What was that all about?

 

 

Bittern and Pee Wee
Posted on May 23, 2010 at 10:00:37 AM by CatMacLean

This morning along Brunel Rd standing in a field was a Bittern. I haven't seen one in years. Also singing this am in our bush was a Pee Wee.

 

 

Red-bellied Woodpecker (not Red-headed)
Posted on May 23, 2010 at 07:25:56 AM by dbritton

Further to my message yesterday, I managed to track down what is presumably the same woodpecker I heard on Rostrevor Road yesterday. To my surprise, it was a Red-bellied Woodpecker, not Red-headed (my first of this species for Muskoka).

Today the bird was on the north side of Dee Bank Road, in a tree on the lawn of the first house east of Rostrevor Road. It flew off into the woods further east, but was calling frequently so may be findable along Dee Bank or Rostrevor.

 

 

Veery
Posted on May 22, 2010 at 08:22:16 PM by Barbara Taylor

We have a new yard bird...a Veery. One was singing out behind our house last night and he's at it again tonight. (Bracebridge)
Here's a website with the Veery's song and three other Thrush songs for comparison: http://www.wildmusic.org/animals/thrush

 

 

Canada Warbler
Posted on May 22, 2010 at 01:05:55 PM by DBurton

One single male in my yard this morning in Gravenhurst.

 

 

Blue-winged Warbler & Red-headed Woodpecker
Posted on May 22, 2010 at 12:42:11 PM by dbritton

Spent a few hours in the area around Rostrevor Road, Dee Bank Road and Roy Klingbeil Road outside of Windermere this morning. Birding was great, with most of the usual suspects back on territory, I had a total of 68 species including American Kestrel, American Bittern, Alder Flycatcher, Hermit Thrush, Eastern Bluebird Scarlet Tanager and 13 sp. of warbler including Wilson's and Canada (but see also below...)

The best two birds of the morning were on Rostrevor Road in the alder thicket about 100m north of the bridge over the Dee River. This is a traditional area for Golden-winged Warbler and I've found Brewster's Warbler here on a couple of occasions, so when I heard a muted "beezz-buzzz" song coming out of the thicket, I was expecting one or the other.

With some patience I managed to find the bird, which turned out to be a beautiful male Blue-winged Warbler singing in a treetop. While I was enjoying this bird, off to the west a Red-headed Woodpecker called three or four times, but I wasn't able to see the bird.

 

 

Re(1): Mourning Warbler, Southwood Rd - Photo
Posted on May 21, 2010 at 01:20:41 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

This Mourning Warbler was not in breeding plumage. I don't know if it is a yearling or full adult.  photo

 

 

Mourning Warbler, Southwood Rd
Posted on May 20, 2010 at 09:59:28 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

This morning a Mourning Warbler sang from many perches at the corner of Southwood Rd and Smith's Rd. Turn in Smith's Rd. and listen at Rattlesnake Rd. Also, several Chestnut-sided Warblers, Kingfisher, catbirds, Veery and Northern Waterthrush.

 

 

Re(1): Blackpoll... no Parula - Photo
Posted on May 21, 2010 at 12:37:56 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Last evening I went to the Sinclair's to try for the Northern Parula. Al, Sarah and I listened and tried a tape to bring it in. Neither seen nor heard.  This morning at 7 am I tried again. I heard the bird way back in the bush at about 7:40 am and it came out closer to the road at just about 8 am. It was right opposite Al's driveway.  Very busy road that will be even busier tonight and on the weekend. Not much shoulder room to park. The Canada Warbler was there last night and this morning.  Image is a large crop: photo

 

 

Re(2): Blackpoll... Parula yes...and Canada
Posted on May 20, 2010 at 11:23:49 AM by Al Sinclair

Now Canada Warbler at same location. Always have one there but this is the first day back this year.

 

 

Re(1): Blackpoll... Parula yes
Posted on May 20, 2010 at 11:02:10 AM by Al Sinclair

Ok he is not gone, was just busy. I heard him singing again from the same spot.

 

 

Blackpoll... no Parula
Posted on May 20, 2010 at 10:52:22 AM by Al Sinclair

This morning we had a singing Blackpoll Warbler in the yard. The Northern Parula reported yesterday is gone. 8km east of Bracebridge.

 

 

Northern Parula...here 3 days now
Posted on May 19, 2010 at 01:56:17 PM by Al Sinclair

We have had a Northern Parula here for 3 days now. I assumed at first that he was just passing through but today it has been singing all day from suitable habitat, makes me think that he might stay. Back in the 80s we had one for 4 summers at the exact same location. Northern Parula is an uncommon breeder in Muskoka. Look for it on the north side of the road at 1852 Hwy 118E, 8km east of Bracebridge.

 

 

Tennesee Warbler
Posted on May 19, 2010 at 12:56:23 PM by Goodyear

We had a singing Tennesee Warbler this morning at our house in Bracebridge (Meadow Heights Dr.)

 

 

Pine Siskins
Posted on May 19, 2010 at 05:58:39 AM by janice house

2 at the feeders last night, still here this morning, Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst

 

 

Butterfly
Posted on May 18, 2010 at 08:50:40 PM by Kip Daynard

Saw a Spring Azure here outside Gravenhurst on Sunday morning, May 16th. Ron Stager's Mar. 31st post was the only mention of one this spring. After reading the account in my butterfly guide I understood his post better as the guide says the Spring Azure is "often the first spring butterfly".

 

 

Re(1): Dragonflies
Posted on May 25, 2010 at 09:26:32 PM by Kip Daynard

You seem to know your dragonflies, Ron.
I just got my first dragonfly guide: "Field Guide to The Dragonflies and Damselflies of Algonquin Provincial Park and Surrounding Area", Friends of Algonquin 2008.
Today I identified my first using the book, a Chalk-fronted Corporal that I found dead down by the dock. Are you familiar with that guide? Is it a good resource for beginners, but still comprehensive for Muskoka area or is there something better?

 

 

Dragonflies
Posted on May 18, 2010 at 05:24:49 PM by Ron Stager

Good day for dragonflies today with several first of the season for me.

Common Whitetail (many)
Chalk-fronted Corporal (many)
Spiketail (likely Delta-spotted)
Some-kinda clubtail
Lots of others previously seen

Saw first mostly blue damselflies on Sunday and the relatively rare Harlequin Darner last week.
New butterflies today were Silvery Blue and Indian Skipper. Very abundant Canadian Tiger Swallowtails and a surprising number of common roadside skippers.
Merkley and Lewisham Roads
Regards.

 

 

Re(1): Photo
Posted on May 19, 2010 at 09:24:48 AM by Al Sinclair

I have found them to be locally common in southern Muskoka (south of Bracebridge) on rocky barrens. Not often seen but can be located by turning over rocks near water. I have often found woodland cockroach in the same locations, expect it is one of their main food sources.

 

 

Five-lined Skink Photo
Posted on May 18, 2010 at 04:26:44 PM by Kip Daynard

Found him again on the back deck... photo

 

 

Five-lined Skink
Posted on May 18, 2010 at 03:39:00 PM by Kip Daynard

I saw a Five-lined Skink basking in the sun on the warm brick of our house this afternoon. Judging from his red head and the information in my field guide, I'd guess it was a male. Very neat! I've always been on the lookout for them, but don't think I've ever seen one before.

Judging from the bird board they don't appear to be seen very often. I was curious and downloaded the board archive - this appears to be just the 4th report in 10 years.  Does that reflect how common they are or do they just tend to slip under the radar?

North Muldrew Lake Rd.
Gravenhurst

 

 

Hummingbird Moth and butterflies
Posted on May 18, 2010 at 03:15:52 PM by Barbara Taylor

A Hummingbird Moth appeared in our yard today and has been enjoying the Moss Phlox blooms. We also had our first of the season Monarch Butterfly today along with two Canadian Tiger Swallowtails, a Cabbage White, an American Lady, and several Red Admirals. (Bracebridge)

(appeared to be a Hemaris thysbe but seems a bit early - it wouldn't let me get any closer for a better shot...look at center of photo)  photo

 

Information about the Clearwing Sphinx Moth species in our area:
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe) - http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/hthysbe.htm
Slender Clearwing Moth (Hemaris gracilis) - http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/hgracilis.htm
Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) - http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/hdiffinis.htm

 

 

Scarlet Tanager, Warblers
Posted on May 18, 2010 at 12:00:15 PM by Barbara Taylor

This morning we found a nice bunch of Warblers along the Covered Bridge trail that follows part of Beaver Creek in Bracebridge. There was a Northern Parula and Canada Warbler, as well as several Chestnut-sided, Nashville, Yellow, Common Yellowthroat, and Ovenbird. At the south-east corner of Patricia Pkwy. and Kevin Cres. there was a Scarlet Tanager singing from the top of a tall dead tree.
see map at: http://www.town.bracebridge.on.ca/docs/South Monck Covered Bridge Trail.pdf

 

 

Re(1): Hummers- and oriole
Posted on May 18, 2010 at 09:31:08 AM by CarolWagg

First hummer(s) of the season arrived at Doe Lake (Gravenhurst) on Sunday. Also a brief visit from a Baltimore Oriole, not a frequent flier here. Heard whip-poor-wills last night.

 

 

Hummers
Posted on May 18, 2010 at 08:59:38 AM by chris

First sighting of Hummers Sunday 16th. Lake of Bays

 

 

Eastern Kingbird
Posted on May 18, 2010 at 07:49:26 AM by janice house

Two kingbirds were at the wetland on Doe Lake Rd this morning between the Laycox Rd and Tomingas Rd

 

 

Fawn
Posted on May 17, 2010 at 10:34:23 AM by Debbie Adams

While walking the dog through the woods an hour ago, we came across this newborn. I nearly stepped on it! We suspect it was born last night. It's about the size of a football. Mom was nowhere in sight as she is probably out foraging (maybe eating my geraniums). We have a direct line of sight to the location of the fawn from our driveway, so we'll be keeping a watchful eye.
(Walker's Point)  photo

 

 

Mini Chippies
Posted on May 17, 2010 at 10:15:06 AM by Debbie Adams

One of our resident Chipmunks had 3 babies and the past few days they have grown enough to venture outdoors. And while they look exactly like mom, they are only a mini version and they're just too cute!
Mom has made them their own apt. about 30' away from the home burrow. We've observed her taking leaves into their new 'pad', no doubt to spruce up the place, as well as bringing in nuts and what looked to be a grub for them to eat.
They don't venture too far from their new burrow, however we watched one fellow going back to the home burrow (her burrow) but mom lead it right back to it's new place. We watched it trying to nurse from her, but she didn't allow it and the little guy went in to it's burrow. Perhaps he was homesick and isn't getting the idea he has to fend for himself! I have 3 grown children of my own and this chipmunk behaviour is sounding awfully familiar.
(Walker's Point)

 

 

indigo bunting
Posted on May 16, 2010 at 09:53:03 PM by PatWelch

I saw a male indigo bunting in our honeysuckle bush this morning. A male hummingbird arrived here on the 14th. (Aspdin Rd. sw of Huntsville)

 

 

Re(1): American White Pelicans
Posted on May 18, 2010 at 10:30:53 PM by Al Sinclair

A White Pelican was photographed at the Bracebridge Ponds on July 25/2003. To see the photo go to Wilf Yusek's website.
http://www.birdingwithwilf.com/photos11.html

On May 11, 2010 six White Pelicans were reported from Matchedash Bay. See photos on the Simcoe Bird Board.
http://www.b2g4.com/boards/board.cgi?action=read&id=1273625939&user=simcoenatureboard

 

 

Re(2): American White Pelicans
Posted on May 17, 2010 at 09:15:58 PM by DiannaWolfe

White Pelicans have also been breeding on the north shore of Lake Nipissing, west of North Bay, for a few years now, according to my parents.
See a previous OntBirds post by Martin Parker in North Bay: http://www.mail-archive.com/ontbirds@hwcn.org/msg12800.html

 

 

Re(1): American White Pelicans
Posted on May 17, 2010 at 06:59:11 PM by Barbara Taylor

There have been some recent sightings of White Pelicans posted on Ontbirds, including a report today at Hillman Marsh. I thought the earlier severe storms in the United States may have pushed some of the birds off their normal migration route (see map at Boreal Songbird Initiative). But after finding the following two webpages, perhaps the sightings are related to a broadening of the White Pelican's "normal" range.

Pelicans becoming a common sight in Algoma: http://www.saultstar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2580804

American White Pelicans Establish Breeding Community on Maryland's Eastern Shore: http://hubpages.com/hub/AmericanWhitePelicansEstablishBreedingCommunityonMarylandsEasternShore

 

 

American White Pelicans
Posted on May 16, 2010 at 08:10:15 PM by Goodyear

About ten minutes ago a flock of 12 large white with black on the trailing edge of the wing, heavy chested and short bodied birds flew over our house in Bracebridge. They were flying high in a v formation and heading North. Pelicans! We happened to be sitting on our deck watching birds and luckily we had our bins with us. We watched them for about 30 seconds until our roof obstructed our view. We managed to run and get our scope and picked them up again on the North side of our house as they were flying away from view. Pelicans !!!!!??

 

 

Vireo and Chestnut-sided
Posted on May 16, 2010 at 06:48:42 PM by CatMacLean

The Red-Eyed Vireo was around today as was many Chestnut -sided Warblers in and around Huntsville

 

 

Blue Heron Nests
Posted on May 16, 2010 at 06:25:08 PM by Debbie Adams

We counted 17 Blue Heron nests today on Eleanor Island (Lake Muskoka).

 

 

Re(1): MFN Birdathon prelim list
Posted on May 16, 2010 at 08:02:26 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Are you sure you didn't have Field Sparrows? I photographed a very co-operative one today at Torrance Barrens.

 

 

MFN Birdathon prelim list
Posted on May 16, 2010 at 10:51:52 AM by Al Sinclair

Prelim list below, participants please check.

SPECIES SEEN
From 5/15/2010 to 5/15/2010 ~ All Places ~ 105 seen
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
American Bittern
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal
Lesser Scaup
Common Goldeneye
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Red-shouldered Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Merlin
Wild Turkey
Ruffed Grouse
Semipalmated Plover
Killdeer
American Woodcock
Wilson's Snipe
Lesser Yellowlegs
Solitary Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Mourning Dove
Barred Owl
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Bank Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
American Pipit
Winter Wren
House Wren
Sedge Wren
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
European Starling
Blue-headed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Golden-winged Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Pine Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Evening Grosbeak
-------- STATISTICS --------
Species seen - 105

 

 

Red eyed Vireo
Posted on May 16, 2010 at 07:47:06 AM by Debbie Adams

Heard a red eye vireo singing in a tree by the house early this morning, as well as several others singing in the woods.
It's my favourite bird and a welcomed sound for sure. (Walker's Point)

 

 

Hummingbirds
Posted on May 16, 2010 at 00:34:02 AM by virginia

We have our 1st hummers to-day(Sat)in Port Carling. Also a Baltimore Oriole

 

 

Hummers
Posted on May 15, 2010 at 07:46:24 PM by CatMacLean

We have our first hummer in Huntsville. Also saw a Northern Parula Warbler at the cottage east of South River. Pretty sure I heard the note of a Veery as well there.

 

 

Re(1): Hummingbird...at last!
Posted on May 17, 2010 at 09:56:39 AM by GayleCarlyle

We finally had a hummer on May 15th, a female, usually it's a male that arrives first.
And then the next day, Sunday, a male arrived and immediately took over the feeder as his very own and is chasing the female away.

 

 

Re(2): Hummingbird...at last!
Posted on May 17, 2010 at 08:50:13 AM by Kip Daynard

Our first hummer arrived on N. Muldrew Lake Sunday afternoon as well

 

 

Re(1): Hummingbird...at last!
Posted on May 16, 2010 at 07:32:06 PM by Barbara Taylor

We just had our first Hummingbird visit us on the back deck. He hovered near the hanger for his feeder and then flew over to us as if to say "where's my feeder". Well, it's up now...that long bill looked very threatening. ;)

 

 

Hummingbird...at last!
Posted on May 15, 2010 at 07:01:26 PM by Debbie Adams

Finally! A Hummingbird came to one of our feeders today. We put feeders up in early April after a Gravenhurst friend reported having them at her feeder. Perhaps today's Hummingbird had been dilly-dallying in Gravenhurst for the past month. (Walker's Point)

 

 

Re(1): Northern Harriers
Posted on May 15, 2010 at 09:03:00 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

There was one flying at the corner of Brackenrig Rd and Hwy 118 tonight at 8 pm.

 

 

Northern Harriers
Posted on May 15, 2010 at 03:08:15 PM by Barbara Taylor

This afternoon there was a pair of Northern Harriers flying back and forth over the marshland along Beatrice Townline Rd. just north of Falkenburg Rd., where the road floods each spring. Bobolinks are back - one was singing from the shrubbery just north of #1738 Beatrice Townline Rd.

We didn't see any Brewer's Blackbirds and didn't see any last year - are they still nesting in the area?
Bardsville area map

 

 

Re(1): Semipalmated Plover...and Sedge Wren
Posted on May 15, 2010 at 10:50:18 AM by Barbara Taylor

A very chilly and windy morning to start the Baillie Birdathon. Couldn't find a Greater Yellowlegs, but the other shorebird species were still there. The Semipalmated Plover was in cell 3. A Sedge Wren was singing west of cell 4. The Common Goldeneyes were still in cell 4 and a Green Heron was west of cell 4. Tons of Swallows were flying low over cell 4 - at least two Cliff Swallows plus the usual four species Tree, Barn, Bank, and Rough-winged. A short distance along the trail west of the Ponds there was a Scarlet Tanager and a Magnolia Warbler.

As I was leaving Kerr Park an Eastern Meadowlark was singing by the gas plant fenceline and a Broad-winged Hawk flew low over the tennis courts.

 

 

Semipalmated Plover - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on May 14, 2010 at 08:50:21 PM by Barbara Taylor

A nice variety of shorebirds were gathered at the south end of cell 2 just before 7 p.m. tonight. There was a Semipalmated Plover, Least Sandpipers, Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, a Solitary Sandpiper, and the usual Spotted Sandpipers and Killdeer. There were also a few American Pipits.

But suddenly a Coyote appeared on the roadway near the south-west corner of cell 2. Needless to say all the birds became very agitated with many giving alarm calls. The Canada Geese moved their goslings further out into the pond, while the shorebirds flew up and circled around. We were afraid they were going to leave, but eventually some flew down into cell 1 and some returned to the south end of cell 2. When we started to walk towards the Coyote it ran off into the woods west of cell 2. Hopefully the shorebirds will stick around for the Birdathon tomorrow morning. There were two Common Goldeneyes in cell 4 and a Green Heron perched in a dead tree north of cell 4.   Ponds Map (north approx. at top and west at left)

 

 

Hummingbird - Port Sydney
Posted on May 14, 2010 at 07:06:10 PM by jim griffin

first sighting at our feeder in Port Sydney today at about 6 pm,a male ruby throat; thats 8 days later than our usual first sighting. This one also set a record for sitting at the feeder for 25 minutes steady and he was already there, I did not see him arrive. Our feeder has been up since mid april.

 

 

House Wrens
Posted on May 14, 2010 at 03:58:02 PM by Barbara Taylor

I noticed there's only been one report so far this spring which mentioned a House Wren. So if the Birdathon needs one, try the entrance to the Covered Bridge subdivision just before the bridge, or try along Glendale Rd. just west of the intersection with Tamarack Trail. On Thursday morning House Wrens were singing at both spots. (Bracebridge)

 

 

Osprey
Posted on May 14, 2010 at 02:50:56 PM by janice house

Saw my first osprey of the year soaring over Sharps creek at noon

 

 

Re(1): Another Migrant Butterfly...American Lady
Posted on May 14, 2010 at 01:37:09 PM by Barbara Taylor

We saw an American Lady at Henry Marsh a couple days ago. There were also lots of dragonflies enjoying the sun along the Trans Canada trail west of the Bracebridge Ponds. Most appeared to be Four-spotted Skimmers - managed to grab this shot:  photo

 

 

Another Migrant Butterfly...American Lady
Posted on May 14, 2010 at 01:08:32 PM by Al Sinclair

One American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) blew in with the Red Admirals this week, another butterfly that winters in warmer climates. Photos taken yesterday 8 km east of Bracebridge.  photo1   photo2

 

 

Re(2): Red Admirals...more...photo
Posted on May 14, 2010 at 03:31:27 PM by Wilf Yusek

A few are feeding in my hummingbird feeders.

 

 

Re(1): Red Admirals...more...photo
Posted on May 14, 2010 at 01:04:46 PM by Wilf Yusek

Had at least 20 of them here yesterday, Prospect Lake
Have seen them in good numbers for almost a week here

 

 

Red Admirals...more...photo
Posted on May 14, 2010 at 12:45:08 PM by Al Sinclair

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) numbers peaked here on Tuesday, May 11. We had around 30 individuals in a small patch of dandelions, the most I have ever seen at one location. There are reports of unprecedented large numbers on the butterfly lists coming in from all over central and eastern North America.

From the Leps-L list:
"Expect a lot of Red Admirals this year as they are swarming in Central Texas. I have not (since 1968) seen them this abundant here. Larvae have been feeding on Pellitory which had a bumper crop after the wet winter."

Below is a photo taken yesterday in our our yard, 8km east of Bracebridge.  photo

 

 

Baillie Birdathon on Saturday
Posted on May 14, 2010 at 11:24:45 AM by Al Sinclair

The Muskoka Field Naturalists are doing their Baillie Birdathon this weekend (see below). We moved it up a week from previous years to try and hit the peak migration in Muskoka better. There were some new birds here this morning and a good fallout reported at a couple of locations on Lake Ontario, could be a good weekend. We usually get around a hundred species, maybe more this year. We can always use more participants, email me if you would like to join us.

From the "The Wakerobin" newsletter of the MFN:
May 15, Saturday - Baillie Birdathon – Need Leaders! Need Pledges! (Rain Date May 16)
Meet at Kerr Park at 7:00 a.m. to divide into teams and car pool. Lagoon sightings will be first on the list before
moving on to traditional birding locations. The goal is to count species, not birds, so we try to cover a lot of territory!
This is a Bird Studies Canada and MFN fundraiser so if you can’t count birds, count pennies, loonies and toonies, and make a pledge!

 

 

Wood Thrush
Posted on May 13, 2010 at 11:35:15 AM by Kip Daynard

I heard my first Wood Thrush of the season on a 1 hr walk along the Old Stone Rd. Trail this morning. A Brown Thrasher was singing near BearPaw Lake. I also heard my first Black-throated Green Warbler of the year along N. Muldrew Lake Rd.

Large-flowered Bellflowers (Uvularia grandifloria) and Canada Mayflowers (Maianthemum canadense) were blooming along the trail along with beautiful displays of White and Painted Trilliums.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=bearpaw+lake+on&sll=44.907441,-79.453468&sspn=0.084376,0.134926&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Bearpaw+Lake&ll=44.92528,-79.486599&spn=0.021877,0.046735&t=h&z=15

41 bird species in total. See below for the full list, new arrivals in caps:

WOOD THRUSH
BROWN THRASHER
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER
American Redstart (2)
Blackburnian Warbler (3)
Black-throated Blue Warbler (3)
Black-and-White Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Yellow Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Ovenbird
Pine Warbler
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Great Crested Flycatcher
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Northern Flicker
American Crow
Red-winged Blackbird
American Goldfinch
Blue Jay
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Scarlet Tanager (3)
Pine Siskin
Eastern Phoebe
Turkey Vulture
Winter Wren
Black-capped Chickadee
Double-crested Cormorant (fly-over)

 

 

Re(2): Clay Colored Sparrow & Lark Sparrow
Posted on May 14, 2010 at 08:57:14 AM by janice house

Yesterday Brian Pfrimmer sat on our deck from 9:30 to noon, the clay colored sparrow hopped up the doggy ramp and onto the deck while he was sitting there along with chipping and white crowned sparrows. He also heard the lark sparrow calling from the white birch in the back yard but did not get a good look. This morning I heard the clay colored sparrow in the front yard of the farm across from us, I heard the lark sparrow in the back yard at 1026 Laycox rd while walkiing the dog.

 

 

Re(1): Clay Colored Sparrow & Lark Sparrow
Posted on May 13, 2010 at 06:59:29 AM by janice house

6:40 clay colored was calling from the spruce trees behind the garage

 

 

Clay Colored Sparrow & Lark Sparrow
Posted on May 13, 2010 at 06:17:00 AM by janice house

At 6am this morning I heard the Lark sparrow calling from the spruce trees behind the garage, could not spot the bird. Clay colored sparrow flew in to feed under the cedar hedge then hopped onto the doggy ramp. Eastern towhee started calling from the cedar hedge. (1206 Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst)

 

 

Re(1): Hummer
Posted on May 14, 2010 at 06:54:16 AM by Wayne Bridge

FOS male hummer at our feeder in Kearney was yesterday at 7:45 a.m..

 

 

Re(1): Hummer
Posted on May 13, 2010 at 08:38:08 AM by GayleCarlyle

We still have not seen a hummer at our feeder (Washago) and the feeder has been up since late April.
I figured with the early spring and the early return of other birds that the hummers would arrive in April as well. We normally see them by May 6.

 

 

Hummer
Posted on May 12, 2010 at 02:39:38 PM by Wilf Yusek

Hi.Had my FOS male RT Hummer today, Prospect Lake

 

 

Scarlet Tanagers
Posted on May 12, 2010 at 07:23:19 AM by janice house

I just got a photo of the male in our basswood tree, saw the female first and wasn't sure of her identity. God bless my basswood tree. Also heard a blue headed vireo in the yard this morning, baltimore oriole calling in the neighbours yard too, no sign of the lark sparrow yet.

 

 

sora rail
Posted on May 11, 2010 at 10:31:56 PM by John Challis

The sora rail has continued to whinny in the swamp behind our house in Washago; I've heard it a few times since last report. Keeping my fingers crossed that he finds romance and we get a breeding pair there. It's good territory, as Terry Whittam noted in my last entry about this bird.

 

 

albino Blue Jay
Posted on May 11, 2010 at 09:39:40 PM by MarilynParsons

We observed a white Blue Jay in the company of two blue Blue Jays here in Dwight May 7, 2010 about 7:00 a.m.
Unfortunately we were unable to get a photo and have not seen this bird since, perhaps he was just on his way north.

 

 

Re(1): Lark Sparrow - photos
Posted on May 11, 2010 at 12:53:44 PM by Barbara Taylor

Here are Janice's photos:  photo1  photo2  photo3

 

 

Re(2): Lark Sparrow
Posted on May 11, 2010 at 11:16:44 AM by Al Sinclair

Talked to Janice on the phone at her workplace, photos are coming.
The bird is in the backyard of 1206 Doe Lake Rd. Gravenhurst.

 

 

Re(1): Lark Sparrow
Posted on May 11, 2010 at 09:13:02 AM by Al Sinclair

Only our second record for Muskoka. Can you post the photo? Can you tell us how to find the basswood tree?

 

 

Lark Sparrow
Posted on May 11, 2010 at 07:33:18 AM by janice house

I just came back from a dog walk, saw a sparrow in the basswood tree, I could no believe my eyes. I ran and got the camera, it was on the ground by then. Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst. I also heard a virginia rail and the bittern calling at the swamp between Laycox Rd and Tomingas Rd.

 

 

Oriole and frost
Posted on May 10, 2010 at 07:18:10 PM by CatMacLean

We have had a male and female oriole at our feeders during the cold snap. They are on the hummingbird feeder and the peanuts. Joining them are purple and goldfinches and white-crowned sparrows.
I am concerned about the frost damage to the young leaves on the hardwoods. As well many of the ferns have been severely frost damaged.

 

 

Wings Over Muskoka...May 28-30
Posted on May 10, 2010 at 10:41:55 AM by Barbara Taylor

"Wings Over Muskoka is an annual birding, wildlife and
art festival which encourages people to learn about wildlife
and threatened habitats in their own backyard."

See brochure at:
http://www.kidsforturtles.com/Documents/Wings Over Brochure.pdf

Advance Registration Required.
All programs are $8 per person. For full program
details and to register, please contact Kids for
Turtles at 705-325-5386 or info@kidsforturtles.com
www.kidsforturtles.com

 

 

Red Bellied Woodpecker in Windermere
Posted on May 10, 2010 at 10:09:16 AM by janice house

Tim Mason just called me, his friend who owns the marina in Windermere had the woodpecker at their feeder on the weekend, they have a photo.

 

 

Sandhill Crane still on Brooks sideroad!
Posted on May 9, 2010 at 07:01:39 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

The lone Sandhill crane I reported a few weeks ago continues to stay and feed on the east side of Brooks sideroad just south of Washago. I wonder how long it will stay? Terry Sandhill Crane photo

 

 

Re(1): Northern Mockingbird
Posted on May 11, 2010 at 03:33:21 PM by Barbara Taylor

John Purchase reports the Mockingbird was seen again this morning - "It is frequenting the trees behind the
houses to the east and west of #1113 on the north side of Fraserburg Road, opposite Maple Lane Farm equestrian centre".

 

 

Northern Mockingbird
Posted on May 9, 2010 at 04:00:40 PM by Barbara Taylor

Just received this report from John Purchase:

Please add to the Bird Board a Northern Mockingbird on the Fraserburg Road eight houses east of Hwy 11. May 5 and 6. Seen and identified by Art and Pat Luker, heard by John and Betsy Purchase. The song is like the Brown Thrasher's but of a much larger repertoire and closer approximation to other songbirds, even doing gull imitations. It is well north of its range in Ontario. We had one at our house on Fraserburg Road many years ago about this time of the year. It stayed for a couple of weeks. -- John

 

 

Re(1): Rose-Breasted Grosbeak(photo)
Posted on May 9, 2010 at 04:32:36 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

A male arrived at my feeder in Bala this morning, as well.

 

 

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak(photo)
Posted on May 8, 2010 at 07:25:29 PM by garyschultz

Along with the daily visits of Evening Grosbeaks to our feeders today we had our first Rose-Breasted Grosbeak.
location Algonquin Inn on hwy 60 @ Oxtongue Lake  photo

 

 

Re(1): White-crowned Sparrows
Posted on May 8, 2010 at 04:12:41 PM by janice house

we have at least 6 which have been here all week, Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst

 

 

Re(1): White-crowned Sparrows
Posted on May 8, 2010 at 03:10:31 PM by dinnymccraney

We have had one here (Bracebridge) for a few weeks...he/she seems rather stunned. The dogs keep flushing it out of the underbrush and I thought it was nesting, but it's not there today and no sign of eggs

 

 

White-crowned Sparrows
Posted on May 8, 2010 at 11:47:18 AM by Barbara Taylor

Don Bailey reports two White-crowned Sparrows have just arrived in their yard this morning. (Bracebridge)

 

 

Re(1): MFN Kerr Park Outing Rain Date
Posted on May 8, 2010 at 04:11:16 PM by janice house

Lots of ducks at the park today at 8:30, at least 4 dozen wood ducks, a dozen bufflehead, 6+ scaup, several swallows swooping over cell 1 & 2, several pairs of canada geese with their young ones, savannah sparrow, yellow rump warbler, several flickers, mallards and 2 pairs of ducks at the south end of cell 1 & 2 which I could not identify as I left my scope at home.

 

 

MFN Kerr Park Outing Rain Date
Posted on May 8, 2010 at 08:06:03 AM by janice house

I just spoke with Tom Smith and we decided to change the outing to Sunday. I will go to the park now in case anyone shows up.

 

 

Re(5): Scarlet Tanager, Towhee
Posted on May 11, 2010 at 10:52:50 AM by Kip Daynard

Thanks, Al. I'll use this on my next field trip out there!

 

 

Re(4): Scarlet Tanager, Towhee
Posted on May 10, 2010 at 02:27:05 PM by Al Sinclair

On the Barrens:
Yellow-throated Vireo south of the parking lot (across the road) at Torrance Barrens.
Field Sparrow
Black-billed Cuckoo
Eastern Bluebird
Lincoln's Sparrow big bog north side of the lake at the Barrens, could be in other bogs nearby

 

 

Re(4): Scarlet Tanager, Towhee
Posted on May 11, 2010 at 10:51:39 AM by Kip Daynard

Well, that would be a great find for me as well as I've not seen a Yellow-throated Vireo in Muskoka either.

The OBB Atlas states that Yellow-Throated Vireos are "particularly fond of upland Red Oak woods and lowland maple swamps". We have a quite a lot of Red Oak around here, although none of them are that tall, owing to the thin soil I imagine.

 

 

Re(3): Scarlet Tanager, Towhee
Posted on May 10, 2010 at 09:38:20 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

I guess the best one, although I have never been able to see one there, is Yellow-throated Vireo.
Maybe Al Sinclair can chime in!

 

 

Re(2): Scarlet Tanager, Towhee
Posted on May 10, 2010 at 09:32:05 AM by Kip Daynard

Thanks Eleanor.
I've not really spent any time in the Barrens before this spring... It sure is different habitat down here! Whip-poor-wills and now Towhees are two species I've found here that I couldn't find in north-eastern Muskoka. Anything else that that I should keep an eye out for?

 

 

Re(1): Scarlet Tanager, Towhee
Posted on May 8, 2010 at 09:09:19 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Kip,
You can be pretty sure of finding towhees at Torrance Barrens.

 

 

Scarlet Tanager, Towhee
Posted on May 7, 2010 at 12:17:00 PM by Kip Daynard

This morning I hiked out to a small unnamed lake halfway between North Muldrew Lake and Pine Lake. Notable species were a singing Scarlet Tanager and an Eastern Towhee. I think this is the first Towhee I've ever found in Muskoka. The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas states that since the first atlas "significant declines of... 19% occurred in the... Southern Shield region. These declines are probably attributable to the loss of shrubby, successional habitats through natural success to forest in the Southern Shield." The abundance maps show hotspots for them on the Carden Plain and Georgian Bay coast near Pointe Au Baril and to a lesser extent Crooked Bay (which this one is on the fringe of).

Chestnut-sided Warblers seem to have returned in abundance here as of today as well.

On my way back to the car I saw a mini raptor migration moving through with a small kettle of 7 Broad-winged Hawks plus 2 Red-tails, a Northern Harrier and a Turkey Vulture. A couple of migrating Loons passed over at some considerable height as well.

Here's a google map link to this lake which appears to owe its existence to a series of 3 impressive beaver dams, including one two-tiered structure whose combined height must be at least 8 feet!
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=North+Muldrew+Lake,+gravenhurst+on&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=49.310476,88.681641&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=North+Muldrew+Lake&ll=44.926131,-79.464948&spn=0.010847,0.021651&t=h&z=16

 

 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Posted on May 7, 2010 at 08:18:20 AM by marywillmott

Beaumaris
ON may 3rd I had a male Hummer at the feeder. I just put up the feeders on Saturday. They have busy about the garden but come often to the feeder. Also have a Brown Thrasher calling.

 

 

Rose Breasted Grosbeak
Posted on May 6, 2010 at 01:21:23 PM by MikeW

Saw the first male Rose Breasted Grosbeak today.... Im on Southern Georgian Bay outside Penetang.

 

 

Cliff Swallow
Posted on May 6, 2010 at 12:39:32 PM by Barbara Taylor

This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there were several Swallows swooping low over the somewhat sheltered west side of cell 4. Five species, including at least one Cliff Swallow, a few Northern Rough-winged, and many Barn, Bank, and Tree Swallows. A Green Heron was west of cell 4. The Canada Geese that had a nest on one of the beaver huts now have three goslings which they are tending to in cell 4.

 

 

Golden-winged Warblers
Posted on May 6, 2010 at 12:34:03 PM by Barbara Taylor

This morning there were two Golden-winged Warblers singing at Henry Marsh, and we managed to get a good look at one of them. It's already hard to pick out the warblers amongst all the leaves opening up and strong winds didn't help...but at least that meant no bugs! The Canada Goose was still on her nest and we saw a Pied-billed Grebe which then called briefly. As we walked in to the marsh we heard a Greater Yellowlegs but never saw it.

directions:
Map of the area with notes about the trails...a work in progress. Click in the left-hand menu or on a marker or trail for information - switch from default satellite view to street map view - zoom in or out - move to different areas by "dragging" the map.

 

 

Hardy Lake - Pipits, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, shorebirds etc.
Posted on May 6, 2010 at 12:13:24 PM by Kip Daynard

The pond across Hwy 169 had some interesting birds this morning including 3 American Pipits, 2 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Solitary Sandpipers. Also present were 2 Wood Ducks, 5 Ring-necked Ducks and some Mallards.

I walked the 3km eastern-most loop at Hardy Lake P.P. and things were fairly quiet but a highlight was a singing Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, first of year for me. A few warblers were present including Yellow, Nashville, Yellow-Rumped, Pine, Ovenbird, and Northern Waterthrush. Waterbird numbers have reduced in the park compared to recent visits with only Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck and Mallards present. Winter Wrens were still singing and a Broad-winged Hawk flew overhead.

A few spring flowers that I noticed in bloom along this loop:

Fringed Polygala - Polygala paucifolia (exquisite!)
Common Blue Violet - Viola papilionacea
Starflower - Trientalis borealis (almost blooming)
Painted Trillium - Trillium undulatum

Some new arrivals along N. Muldrew Lake Rd. this morning are American Redstart and Common Yellowthroat.

 

 

Northern Parula
Posted on May 6, 2010 at 12:04:22 PM by John Challis

Yesterday morning we had a visit from a Northern Parula. I've never seen one before, so it took a while to dig up an ID for it. It was singing at the top of a small birch in the front yard (Green River Drive Washago), and hung around long enough to make out all its remarkable markings.
It wasn't around this morning, unfortunately. Cornell's All About Birds website states they like to nest among hanging old man's beard moss; none around these parts.
Cornell

 

 

Monarch and others
Posted on May 5, 2010 at 01:16:12 PM by Ron Stager

Hi
Noon walk on Merkley and Lewisham Roads.

My firsts for the season:
Monarch 1
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail 6
Common Roadside Skipper 2

American Emerald dragonfly

Several others. Notables from this week
Olympia Marble
American Lady
Red Admirals (several)
Columbine Duskywing (Juvenal and many Sleepy Duskywings today).

Blue-winged Warbler
Posted on May 4, 2010 at 04:17:37 PM by BonnieDeVillers

I heard this warbler this morning. A very unmistakable Buzzy call beee-bzzz. I did not see it but I remember this bird because the call is very distinctive. Will look for it tomorrow morning. I have seen this bird here in 2001.
It may have come other years but not heard or seen it since then. This is in tiny beachs l8th concession.

 

 

Re(1): sora rail
Posted on May 5, 2010 at 09:21:20 AM by Barbara Taylor

Last night a Sora and a Virginia Rail were calling from west of cell 4 at the Bracebridge Ponds.

 

 

Re(1): sora rail
Posted on May 4, 2010 at 05:18:38 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

Lets hope the Sora stays in your swamp John. An excellent find! Cheers Terry

 

 

sora rail
Posted on May 4, 2010 at 12:17:17 PM by John Challis

I heard a sora rail whinny this morning in the swamp behind our house (Green River Drive, Washago). Just one call, then a whistle call from what seemed like another spot -- so there might have been a pair of them.
At any rate, they don't seem to linger long in our swamp, so it might be headed further north -- maybe to the marshy area below the rock face at the south entrance to Gravenhust, where I used to hear soras often. I hope the new roadways there haven't discouraged the water birds that use the area.
Also heard my first black-and-white warbler on the morning walk.
Still trying to confirm whether the one emphatic call is a northern waterthrush.

 

 

Muldrew Lake - Blackburnian, Red-eyed Vireo, Field Sparrow etc.
Posted on May 4, 2010 at 11:56:38 AM by Kip Daynard

Numbers and diversity of migrants increasing along the Old Stone Rd. Trail and N. Muldrew Lake Rd.. A beautiful male Blackburnian Warbler was singing alongside a Blue-headed Vireo about 1km past the snow plow turnaround. Red-eyed Vireos have arrived in good numbers. Black-throated Blue and Great Crested Flycatcher singing on the Old Stone Rd. Trail past the end of N. Muldrew Lake Rd.. Nashville, Yellow and Black-and-White Warblers and Northern Waterthrush could be heard at many locations. Ovenbirds are now absolutely everywhere you turn your ears! I was also excited to finally hear at least 3 White-throated Sparrows singing for the first time this year at several locations. A Field Sparrow was a first-ever visitor to our yard this morning and a lone Pine Siskin joined many Goldfinches at our feeders starting late yesterday. Broad-winged Hawks can be seen frequently and at least two pairs of Wood Ducks were in the creeks along the road and trail. 36 species encountered in a 1hr walk this morning, new arrivals in caps listed below:

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER
YELLOW WARBLER
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER
BLUE-HEADED VIREO
RED-EYED VIREO
FIELD SPARROW
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW
PINE SISKIN
Ovenbird
Nashville Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-White Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Red-Winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch
American Robin
Hermit Thrush
White-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Black-capped Chickadee
American Crow
Blue Jay
Pileated Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Mourning Dove
Broad-winged Hawk
Wood Duck
Canada Goose
Common Loon

 

 

Whip-poor-will!
Posted on May 3, 2010 at 09:19:43 PM by Kip Daynard

With my office window wide open tonight I heard our first Whip-poor-will of the year around 9pm on Muldrew Lake Rd. Gravenhurst.
Woodcocks displaying again tonight over the much amplified spring peeper chorus. A Canada Goose and Gull (Ring-billed?) flew over calling despite the pitch blackness out there now.

 

 

Northern Shovelers, Pipits
Posted on May 3, 2010 at 12:54:41 PM by Barbara Taylor

Just before noon at the Bracebridge Ponds there were 3 Northern Shovelers in cell 2 at the north end (near Kerr Park viewing stand). A few American Pipits, Solitary Sandpipers, and Spotted Sandpipers were on the mudbanks at the south end of cell 2. Heard some Greater Yellowlegs calling as they flew to the northwest out of cell 3.

 

 

warblers
Posted on May 3, 2010 at 12:31:07 PM by CatMacLean

This morning in Huntsville I heard the Black-Throated Green and Blue as well the Nashville and saw a pair of Broad-Wings.

 

 

New Warblers have arrived
Posted on May 3, 2010 at 12:00:02 PM by BonnieDeVillers

This morning seen and heard a Nashville Warbler a Black and White and heard a Oven Bird.
May is such a wonderful month so many songs and green everywhere. The birds love this warm weather hope it lasts.
Aslo seen a flock of Red-Winged Blackbirds both male and female there was about 20 or so. Maybe still migrating?
They were gathering in the popular and spruce trees.
(Tiny township close to Tiny Beachs)

 

 

Washago birds
Posted on May 3, 2010 at 11:28:10 AM by GayleCarlyle

This past weekend we had some new arrivals and some great sightings.
The great-crested flyercatchers are back on our property. Also heard an overbird and a thrush. A phoebe was calling in our backyard; we're hoping it finds a nesting site on our property.
We also had a Cooper's Hawk dart through the forest and later on we saw and heard a red-shouldered hawk. It actually dove at a crow that was harrassing it from a neighbouring tree.
Last night we had a treefrog climbing the patio doors outside our bedroom. so I brought it in for picture taking. The frog didn't want to pose for the photos so it hopped around the room, with me in pursuit, until I finally caught it and held on long enough for John to get some pictures.

 

 

Chimney Swifts
Posted on May 2, 2010 at 09:03:38 PM by Dawn Sherman

Approximately 120 Chimney Swifts returned to the Empire Hotel in Huntsville tonight!

 

 

Re(1): Oh no - a muskrat is caught in the garden fence!
Posted on May 3, 2010 at 11:07:03 AM by jim griffin

just remember, some years ago(many?),the "Captain and Tenille" sang their little hit song "Muskrat Love" for the Queen.

 

 

Oh no - a muskrat is caught in the garden fence!
Posted on May 2, 2010 at 08:07:28 PM by FrancesGualtieri

Imagine this. I'm checking in our vegetable garden to see if any peas are emerging, and I hear some sort of noise from our metal fence that surrounds the garden. Behold, a muskrat is caught in the mesh at ground level, unable to go backwards or forwards, wedged in at its belly. I further traumatize the poor creature by screaming loudly, which brings my husband running. Michael tries pulling it out gently by the tail, but no luck. He then has to cut apart the fencing around the muskrat (I'm trying not to listen to his curses). The animal then is able to scramble into the garden - and we then have to get it out! The muskrat does not appreciate our efforts, and displays its teeth. Well, with the help of a shovel, we get it out, it waddles back to the pond which is over 100 ft. away - and Michael repairs the fence.
And that was how we spent Sunday morning!  (Vankoughnet)

 

 

Re(2): Red Admirals...large numbers moving into Canada
Posted on May 4, 2010 at 06:19:34 AM by Debbie Adams

They were everywhere yesterday on Walker's Point too.

 

 

Re(1): Red Admirals...large numbers moving into Canada
Posted on May 3, 2010 at 12:57:36 PM by Barbara Taylor

Great timing on your post Al. They seem to be "everywhere" in Bracebridge today, and apparently they love to feed on dandelion blooms.

 

 

Red Admirals...large numbers moving into Canada
Posted on May 2, 2010 at 07:08:03 PM by Al Sinclair

There have been some big counts of 100 or more per day recently in different parts of Ontario, warm air flow from the south bringing in migrants. We had a our first here today, 2 east of Bracebridge.  photo

 

 

Turtle Eggs
Posted on May 2, 2010 at 03:16:54 PM by janice house

On my morning dog walk I found a nest dug up. From past experience I believe this belongs to a snapping turtle.  (Gravenhurst)

 

 

Kilworthy Warblers
Posted on May 2, 2010 at 11:48:38 AM by DiannaWolfe

A good many warbler species have been moving through our woods over the past few days. New today were Black-throated Blue, Black-and-White, and Ovenbird. Black-throated Greens have been singing since Apr 28 and Nashvilles since yesterday.

 

 

Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on May 2, 2010 at 08:58:24 AM by Barbara Taylor

This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds...some of the highlights:

south end of cell 2:
Solitary Sandpiper
Wilson's Snipe

cell 3:
Spotted Sandpipers
Least Sandpipers

west of cell 4:
Green Heron
Rusty Blackbirds
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Least Flycatcher

Tree, Barn, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows flying overhead


Ponds Map (north approx. at top and west at left)

 

 

Muldrew Lake - Waterthrush, Swamp Sparrow etc.
Posted on May 1, 2010 at 09:00:07 PM by Kip Daynard

Went for a walk this evening on the Old Stone Rd. Trail off N. Muldrew Lake Rd. (Gravenhurst). Here are my sightings, new arrivals in CAPS:

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (heard)
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (male, not singing)
NASHVILLE WARBLER (male, singing)
OVENBIRD (heard)
SWAMP SPARROW
Pine Warbler (8)
Yellow-Rumped Warbler (11)
Common Loon (flying)
Wood Duck
Song Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Eastern Phoebe
American Crow
Hermit Thrush (2)
Blue Jay (30+)
American Robin
Red-winged Blackbird
American Goldfinch

Also:
Leopard Frog
Snapping Turtle
Beavers (x3 in pond at western end of trail)
American Toads (trilling)
Spring Peepers

 

 

New arrivals
Posted on May 1, 2010 at 06:46:28 PM by CatMacLean

Went out in the Huntsville area first thing this morning and heard the Black-and-White Warbler. Later I saw a Blackburnian Warbler and I heard what I think was a Warbling Vireo. The Blue Headed vireo was also singing. This afternoon I heard my first Ovenbird of the season.

 

 

Muskoka Field Naturalists - next meeting May 6
Posted on May 1, 2010 at 03:22:40 PM by Barbara Taylor

Thursday, May 6, 7:30 p.m., Gravenhurst
Ho Hum the Hummingbird! with Cindy Cartwright

Cindy Cartwright is founder and coordinator of the Ontario Hummingbird Project and one of 4 Canadian banders active in Ontario. The overall goal of the Project is to understand the life cycle of Ontario’s hummingbirds. Cindy’s presentation will outline the project details, what they have learned so far, how people can participate and what they hope to learn in the future. More about the project is located at: www.ontariohummingbirds.ca

Visitors welcome to attend. Meeting location is in Gravenhurst at Calvary Baptist Church, corner of First Street and Brock Street.
MFN website: http://muskokafieldnaturalists.com

 

 

Warblers and Loons
Posted on May 1, 2010 at 11:28:40 AM by Barbara Taylor

This morning there were two newly arrived warbler species at Henry Marsh...Common Yellowthroat and Black-and-White. Nashville Warblers were singing along the trail east of the marsh. A large muddy section of the trail had White-tailed Deer tracks, Wild Turkey tracks, and Black Bear tracks.

Approaching thunderstorms meant just a quick visit to cell 4 at the Bracebridge Ponds. A Brown Thrasher and Belted Kingfisher were west of cell 4, and two Common Loons were calling as they flew overhead. A Black-and-White Warbler was singing south of cell 4. A Canada Goose was sitting on her nest west of cell 4 on one of the beaver huts.

The Canada Goose was still sitting on her nest at Henry Marsh too. A Broad-winged Hawk flew low across Henry Trail and perched briefly next to the trail, not too far from where we had seen the Hog-nosed Snake. Hope the snake hasn't become "dinner".

directions:
Map of the area with notes about the trails...a work in progress. Click in the left-hand menu or on a marker or trail for information - switch from default satellite view to street map view - zoom in or out - move to different areas by "dragging" the map.

 

 

Brown Thrashers
Posted on April 30, 2010 at 06:51:52 PM by Dawn Sherman

There were two Brown Thrashers back on the Hunter's Bay Trail in Huntsville today.

 

 

Algonquin Park Birding Update: 29 April
Posted on April 29, 2010 at 08:41:54 PM by Ontbirds

*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 29, 2010) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.

This is the last of the weekly bird reports from Algonquin
Park this spring, although occasional updates may be issued
in the coming weeks. Thanks again to all who have reported
their observations.

Cooler temperatures, often windy conditions, and even snow
squalls on April 27, appeared to slow the arrival of new
migrants. The only new species reported was Barn Swallow at
Smoke Creek on April 24.

Spruce Grouse have been reported near the register book on
Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and in the km 4 area on Arowhon Road
at Sims Pit.

Common Loons continue to be notably slow in arriving, with
some breeding lakes still having none.

The male Black-backed Woodpecker continued to excavate
a nest cavity in the third utility pole west of Leaf Lake Ski Trail
entrance, affording excellent views.

Gray Jays are most reliably found by walking east from the chain
gate along the Old Railway near Arowhon Road to Wolf Howl Pond
and West Rose Lake.

Two waxwings reported at Canoe Lake Road (Portage Store road)
along Highway 60 on April 24 were almost certainly Bohemians.
(Our earliest spring date for Cedar Waxwing is May 15.)

We would appreciate receiving your bird observations
for our Visitor Centre records. Birders are encouraged
to add their sightings of newly arrived migrants
to the sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON

 

 

Re(1): Nashville warbler - Henry Marsh
Posted on April 30, 2010 at 01:16:50 PM by Barbara Taylor

Well, well, what a difference a south wind can make. This morning along the trail just east of Henry Marsh there were newly arrived Nashville Warblers and at least one Black-throated Green Warbler. Lots of Ruby-crowned Kinglets too. And finally there is a Great Blue Heron at the marsh. A Broad-winged Hawk was soaring overhead, a Warbling Vireo was singing, and the Canada Goose was still on her nest. (Bracebridge)

Directions: from traffic lights at Eccelstone Dr. and Wellington St. in Bracebridge, head west on Beaumont Dr. to Henry Rd. There is a parking area by the pile of woodchips at the trailhead. (no need for rubber boots now - the flood waters have dried up)

 

 

Re(1): Nashville warbler?
Posted on April 29, 2010 at 02:21:05 PM by Barbara Taylor

I haven't heard of any sightings of Nashville yet in our area, but doesn't mean one hasn't snuck through...Point Pelee has had a couple recent reports. Reconsider the Yellow-rumped as a candidate for the song you heard. One of the ones we heard this morning made me think Nashville at first, but after listening for a while, decided it must be a Yellow-rumped, and was able to confirm with binoculars.

 

 

Nashville warbler?
Posted on April 29, 2010 at 01:45:34 PM by John Challis

Is it too early to be hearing Nashville warblers? I've been catching calls for the last two mornings that are pretty close to their two-part, tsee-tsee-tsee tititititi, but haven't been able to track them down to see the bird giving song. They're calling in several spots on Cooper's Falls Road and Green River Drive in Washago.
(This message was also posted on the Simcoe Bird Board)
...also this morning heard yellow-rumped warbler (I think), watched a pair of common mergansers shoot some rapids by the road, had a broad-winged hawk and pair of pileated woodpeckers fly directly over our heads in short sequence, brown creepers still singing, white-throated, swamp, chipping and song sparrows all in song, pine warblers in a variety of locations. Oh -- and a winter wren; I think it was performing Charlie Parker's Scrapple from the Apple. A good way to start the day.

 

 

Brown Thrashers
Posted on April 29, 2010 at 12:31:34 PM by Barbara Taylor

A good wave of migrants came in overnight. Just north of Meadow Heights Dr. along the snowmobile trail (aka South Monck trail) there were several White-throated Sparrows, two Brown Thrashers, Yellow-rumped Warblers and a Pine Warbler, all in full song. Robins, Purple Finches, American Goldfinches, and Song Sparrows were also singing in the area. (Bracebridge)   South Monck trail map

 

 

Bird Board downtime...
Posted on April 28, 2010 at 12:48:46 PM by Barbara Taylor

Just a reminder about the Bird Board backup webpage where you can find a copy of all recent posts and notices about server downtime. The board hosting service had some problems this morning which meant you couldn't access the Bird Board for a while. Should be back to normal now.

 

 

Re(2): sounds in the night
Posted on April 28, 2010 at 09:56:22 PM by CarolWagg

Fox is exactly right! Impressive, being able to interpret from my written description. I listened to the racooon, as well and it wasn't quite right. The saw-whet owl was too fast for what we heard.

 

 

Re(2): sounds in the night
Posted on April 28, 2010 at 09:51:58 PM by dinnymccraney

we definitely heard that call one night last spring...and there are foxes in the area. Thanks for posting the link...the dogs came running when I played it!

 

 

Re(1): sounds in the night
Posted on April 28, 2010 at 09:03:35 PM by Debbie Adams

We're in a remote spot too and hear all sorts of wonderful and strange noises in the night.
The sound you heard could be a raccoon, they often sound like cats or babies crying, or a porcupine we've heard them at night in the past screaming loudly, or maybe it was a fox? Here's a link to a fox sound.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxLHUxzEoRU
Well, that's my 2 cents worth of animal noise identification!
Hope someone else can be more accurate.

 

 

Re(1): sounds in the night
Posted on April 28, 2010 at 08:54:33 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

Not much to go on but.... based on the time of year and your comment on no variation in tone I'd like to suggest Saw-whet owl. Try listening to a Saw-whet call on the web or a tape and see if its the sound you are hearing. Cheers Terry

 

 

sounds in the night
Posted on April 28, 2010 at 12:47:57 PM by CarolWagg

Last night we heard what was likely an animal noise. We first heard it about 10:40 and it kept up incessantly until shortly after 11. Each individual sound lasted about a full second, and somewhat resembled the beginning of a cat yowl, cut short (not a very precise description, I am afraid), with a little longer than a second between repetitions. No variation in tone. We heard the same sound about a year ago, same time of year, and for only one night. It may have happened more often than that, but we didn't hear it. Anybody have any idea what it might be?

 

 

House Wren
Posted on April 28, 2010 at 11:07:33 AM by bonnieDeVillers

Heard the bubbly song of the house wren and seen it fluttering about in the spruce trees. I love their warbling song. Nice to have them here again.

 

 

Hardy Lake
Posted on April 27, 2010 at 12:20:06 PM by Kip Daynard

A short walk at Hardy Lake Provincial Park this morning produced the following:

Hooded Merganser (7)
Ring-necked Duck (3)
Bufflehead (4)
Mallard (5)
Pine Warbler (3)
Yellow-Rumped Warbler (2)
Hermit Thrush
Golden-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Black-capped Chickadee
Ring-billed Gull
Chipping Sparrow
American Robin
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

 

 

Evening Grosbeak
Posted on April 27, 2010 at 11:48:28 AM by janice house

Single male in our basswood tree this morning, Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst. Last week Moira had several pairs in her yard, Houston Rd north of Bracebridge

 

 

Dragonflies
Posted on April 26, 2010 at 01:35:48 PM by Barbara Taylor

This morning I saw my first Common Green Darner of the season at Henry Marsh. The Canada Goose was still sitting on her nest. The flood waters have receded at the "T" in the trail, so rubber boots no longer required.

I took this photo along the trail east of the marsh - seems a bit early for a Common Baskettail, so a Beaverpond Baskettail?  photo

 

 

Carden Township birds
Posted on April 26, 2010 at 12:38:45 PM by John Challis

We bicycled around Carden on Saturday and while it's early for many of the birds that frequent the area, it is alive with activity, just the same. On the alvar, bluebirds are singing non-stop, as are meadowlarks and yellow-shafted flickers. The upland sandpipers have arrived, and the snipe are doing their aerial winnowing performances. Two brown thrashers were singing in competition, about 10 metres from each other on the Wylie Road. Savannah and field sparrows are singing, and I came across a yellow-rumped warbler in a wooded area east of the Victoria sideroad.
We also saw a sharp-shinned hawk flying over.
Loggerhead shrike have reportedly been in the area for about two weeks but we didn't see any.
Carden Township is east of Orillia. Take Road 169 south from Washago, turn at Monck Road (County Rd 45) to Kirkfield Road (County Rd 503). A spectacular area for birding and geology. Gayle would no doubt like it if I mentioned the fourth annual Carden Nature Festival, June 4-6. A great way to become acquainted with the area. For info, visit http://cardenguide.com/index.php/carden-nature-festival

 

 

Blackflies
Posted on April 25, 2010 at 08:32:41 PM by FrancesGualtieri

If the blackflies start early - which it seems they are! - does that mean they will end early? Hope springs eternal...

 

 

Sandhill Crane still on Brooks sideroad!
Posted on April 25, 2010 at 04:31:20 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

A lone Sandhill Crane continues to hang out on Brooks sideroad just south and east of Washago. Beautifull bird with lots of redish color! This Sandhill appears to have been there for over 2 weeks feeding on last years corn stalks.
Cheers Terry   Sandhill Crane photo

 

 

Re(1): Savannah Sparrow
Posted on April 25, 2010 at 08:00:02 PM by Kip Daynard

Heard one singing in the fields beside North Mary Lake Rd. south of Huntsville on Saturday.

 

 

Savannah Sparrow
Posted on April 25, 2010 at 10:50:39 AM by BonnieDeVillers

Seen the sparrow this morning up the hill close to where I live. I live in Tiny township close to Tiny Beachs.
They usually nest in this field every year.

 

 

Hummingbird
Posted on April 24, 2010 at 05:14:29 PM by Debbie Adams

My hairdresser told me today she's had a hummingbird at her hummingbird feeder for at least the past two weeks at her home in Gravenhurst.
We've had our feeders up for the past two weeks and haven't seen a sign of one yet. Sigh.
Walker's Point

 

 

Winter Wren and Merlin
Posted on April 24, 2010 at 03:33:41 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

We have a number of winter wrens singing out back behind the cottage. The lakes resident merlin is also back screaming as it fly's from one pine tree to another. 8km east of Washago. Terry

 

 

Re(2): Black Flies and Black Bear
Posted on April 24, 2010 at 04:49:24 PM by Barbara Taylor

After a while the bear went up the hill out of sight into the woods and the Canada Goose was still sitting on her nest. So the nest wasn't discovered...yet.

 

 

Re(1): Black Flies and Black Bear
Posted on April 24, 2010 at 04:15:33 PM by Al Sinclair

I wonder if the bear located the Canada Goose nest. If she is gone tomorrow we will know a probable cause.

 

 

Black Flies and Black Bear
Posted on April 24, 2010 at 03:27:42 PM by Barbara Taylor

This morning around 10:30 a.m. there was a Black Bear foraging along the south-west edge of Henry Marsh. There were a few blooms open on a Fly Honeysuckle bush along the Trans Canada Trail east of the marsh. A Winter Wren was singing just east of "the dip" in the trail. And the Black Flies are out and yes, at least one was in biting mode already. :(

Fly Honeysuckle photo

The black dot in the middle of the photo is the bear.  photo1  photo2

 

 

Re(1): Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on April 25, 2010 at 03:41:23 PM by Barbara Taylor

Don Bailey reports there were five Yellowlegs in cell 3 this morning.

 

 

Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on April 24, 2010 at 02:34:13 PM by Barbara Taylor

Don Bailey reports seeing a Wilson's Snipe at the east side of cell 1 and two Lesser Yellowlegs in cell 3 this morning. They are draining cell 3 so there are some mudflats now.

 

 

American Wigeons
Posted on April 23, 2010 at 12:50:08 PM by Barbara Taylor

At noon today there were two American Wigeon at Henry Marsh. Three Broad-winged Hawks soared overhead.

Directions: from traffic lights at Eccelstone Dr. and Wellington St. in Bracebridge, head west on Beaumont Dr. to Henry Rd. There is a parking area by the pile of woodchips at the trailhead. (note: trail is still flooded at the "T")
Map of the area with notes about the trails...a work in progress. Click in the left-hand menu or on a marker or trail for information - switch from default satellite view to street map view - zoom in or out - move to different areas by "dragging" the map.

 

 

Sandhill Crane flying high
Posted on April 23, 2010 at 11:27:35 AM by Al Sinclair

A single Sandhill Crane flew north over our house today at 10:30am. It was high maybe 300 plus feet and calling. We have been seeing them here during spring migration for about 5 years now but still only 1 or 2 per year. Hwy 118E 8km east of Bracebridge.

 

 

Algonquin Park Birding Update: 22 April
Posted on April 23, 2010 at 09:03:23 AM by Ontbirds

*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 23, 2010) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.

Poplars and some other trees and shrubs are starting to leaf out
as this incredibly early spring continues. Wildflowers in the
hardwood forest are spectacular and moose were more
numerous along the highway this week.

New migrants included: American Bittern, Broad-winged Hawk,
Blue-headed Vireo, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Pine Warbler, Chipping
Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow.

Wild Turkey: single females were seen at various locations along
Highway 60 and a male was at Park Lake this week.

Common Loon: they slowly became more widespread by the end of
the week.

Merlin: Pair at Harkness Lab on Lake Opeongo on April 18 and
pair at Rock Lake Campground on April 19.

Spruce Grouse: male and female at Spruce Bog Boardwalk,
north from trail register box on April 18. Up to three birds at Sims
Pit bend on Arowhon Road just south of the old railway crossing
on April 18 and 19.

Black-backed Woodpecker: male excavating nest cavity in
third utility pole west of road into Leaf Lake Ski Trail parking
lot at km 53.9 on April 18.

Gray Jay: pair near chain gate along old railway east of
Arowhon Road and pair along old railway at West Rose Lake on
Mizzy Lake Trail on April 18.

Boreal Chickadee: At least three vocalizing birds allowing
brief but good views along old railway near West Rose Lake on
April 18.

We would appreciate receiving your bird observations
for our Visitor Centre records. Birders are encouraged
to add their sightings of newly arrived migrants
to the sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON

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 near 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 details on recent sightings,
feeders, and park information, and is open daily from 10 am
to 5 pm. Starting this weekend. Hot and cold drinks and snacks
are available in the restaurant, but not full meal service at this
time.

Algonquin Park birding updates and information are also
available at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca

 

 

Gray Jay
Posted on April 23, 2010 at 08:12:12 AM by janice house

Geoff saw the jay while walking our new pup this morning on the Tomingas Road. The bird was foraging on the ground by the 2nd house on the right, then flew up to a branch and watched them go by. (2-3 klm east of hwy 11 on Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst)

 

 

Northern water snake and garter
Posted on April 22, 2010 at 10:07:52 PM by John Challis

 

Caught these two, and another unlikely pair a few feet away, just having emerged from the blasted rocks beside our driveway in Washago. Taken on April 10.
My assumption is they were both too groggy after hibernation to worry about the other; the garter snake slid straight over the water snake and headed up to a sunnier spot on the rocks. Across the driveway, another five or six garter snakes were balled together in the sun.
Don't know if you can notice the keeled scales that identify the larger of the two as a water snake rather than a milk snake.  photo

 

 

Kestrel - Muldrew Lake
Posted on April 22, 2010 at 07:58:29 PM by Kip Daynard

On a run this evening at 6:30pm I saw my first Kestrel of the year flying north bound, a female. Also, another Broad-winged Hawk perched in a tree along N. Muldrew Lake Rd. Otherwise it was pretty quiet although did come across 2 Ruffed Grouse along the way and 2 Wood Ducks in the creek by the Old Stone Rd. Trail, Sapsuckers drumming.

 

 

Bracebridge Ponds and Henry Marsh
Posted on April 22, 2010 at 11:10:35 AM by Barbara Taylor

Last night we checked the Bracebridge Ponds after the construction crew had left for the day. There is ongoing grading and gravelling of all the roadways. Not much of note except for a Yellowlegs in cell 3 and a Rusty Blackbird calling north of cell 4. Seven Turkey Vultures were trying to catch an updraft over the ridge south of cell 4. Only a few ducks...Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Wood Duck. The Yellowlegs was too distant to ID for sure - appeared to be a Lesser, but in the dim light its bill seemed slightly upturned like a Greater.

Tuesday evening (April 20) we visited Henry Marsh. The Canada Goose was still sitting on her nest at the west side of the marsh. A Pied-billed Grebe was patrolling the shoreline, keeping an eye on us all the while. There were a few Ring-necked Ducks, a pair of Bufflehead, a female Hooded Merganser, and a pair of Mallards. Two Belted Kingfishers were quite active diving into the marsh, and after a lot of chattering, they flew to a dead tree and mated. Surprisingly we still haven't seen any Great Blue Herons at the Ponds or the Marsh.

Map of the area with notes about the trails...a work in progress. Click in the left-hand menu or on a marker or trail for information - switch from default satellite view to street map view - zoom in or out - move to different areas by "dragging" the map.

 

 

Re(1): Early Dragonfly
Posted on April 21, 2010 at 03:54:59 PM by DiannaWolfe

I also saw my first yesterday while jogging down Kilworthy Road. Small and dark was all I could discern.

 

 

Early Dragonfly
Posted on April 21, 2010 at 03:48:20 PM by Ron Stager

First dragonfly for the season. Fleeting look: maybe a whiteface. Merkley Road in eastern GBA (Greater Barkway Area).

 

 

Re(1): Ruby-crowned Kinglet - Muldrew Lake
Posted on April 22, 2010 at 07:40:35 PM by janice house

heard one Tuesday morning on my dog walk (Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst)

 

 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet - Muldrew Lake
Posted on April 21, 2010 at 01:51:18 PM by Kip Daynard

Our first Ruby-crowned Kinglet of the year heard singing from my back deck today around 12:30pm on N. Muldrew Lake Rd. Gravenhurst.

 

 

Turtle crossing signs...thanks
Posted on April 21, 2010 at 01:48:27 PM by Al Sinclair

We had many good suggestions for locations and they have been forwarded to Jan McDonnell at MNR. She sent a note of thanks and reports that we can start looking for the new signs over the next two weeks.
Some suggestions were:
Rd 13 at Torrance Barrens
169 at Hardy Lake
6 east of Silver Lk Rd
118w at Lily Lk
118 at 17, south entrance to Bracebridge

 

 

Re(1): Red-breasted Mergansers
Posted on April 21, 2010 at 01:36:55 PM by Al Sinclair

Bonnie, interesting report. We get very few sightings from Georgian Bay and this species is rarely seen inland.
Are you in Simcoe County? There is a Simcoe Bird Board where they might also be interested in your sighting.

 

 

Red-breasted Mergansers
Posted on April 21, 2010 at 11:13:36 AM by BonnieDeVillers

Five female and four males were swimming in an inlet close to concession l8 on Georgian Bay.
The males were doing their mating dances and rituals.
I watched them for about l0 minutes.

 

 

Sparrows
Posted on April 21, 2010 at 07:25:28 AM by CatMacLean

In Huntsville yesterday we had a chipping sparrow and white-throat at the feeders. I also heard a Woodcock and Oriole.

 

 

Re(1): Blanding's Turtle
Posted on April 22, 2010 at 07:44:31 PM by janice house

I have a gps reading from last June, could it may be the same turtle ?

 

 

Blanding's Turtle
Posted on April 20, 2010 at 09:26:42 PM by Barb Staples

At 3 p.m. today a Blanding's turtle crossed Tomingas Road from the wetland about 0.5 ks. in from Doe Lake Road, Gravenhurst. Shell length about 8".

 

 

White Throated Sparrow
Posted on April 20, 2010 at 08:42:35 PM by DBurton

A White Throated Sparrow was singing in my yard this morning. A Pine Warbler was nearby. The Pine Warblers showed up on Sunday.  (Gravenhurst)

 

 

Re(1): Broad winged hawk
Posted on April 20, 2010 at 09:05:41 AM by Kip Daynard

Saw my first of year on N. Muldrew Lake Rd. Gravenhurst yesterday around 4:30pm.

 

 

Re(1): Broad winged hawk
Posted on April 19, 2010 at 07:56:49 PM by Al Sinclair

Sarah Sinclair reported a Broad-winged Hawk riding a thermal fairly high over Hwy 118E near Hwy 11 south of Bracebridge today at 4:50PM.

 

 

Re(1): Broad winged hawk
Posted on April 19, 2010 at 06:38:08 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

There was a Broad-winged Hawk on a utility wire at 3000 Hwy 118, East of Port Carling along Brandy Lake about 5:15 pm.

 

 

Broad winged hawk
Posted on April 19, 2010 at 03:03:01 PM by GayleCarlyle

Saw and heard a broad winged hawk flying over Grant's Woods here this morning at about 11am. We're at 1485 Division Rd. W, just outside of Orillia

 

 

OFO Algonquin Park Trip
Posted on April 18, 2010 at 09:38:18 PM by Ontbirds

*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 18, 2010) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.

The 21st annual OFO Algonquin Park trip today had
spectacular sunny conditions throughout. About 45 people
in 21 vehicles explored the Highway 60 Corridor from
9 am to 6:30 pm., observing 57 species of birds.

All the northern species we sought were found:

Spruce Grouse: male and female at Spruce Bog Boardwalk,
north from trail register box.

Black-backed Woodpecker: Male excavating nest cavity in
third utility pole west of road into Leaf Lake Ski Trail parking
lot at km 53.9.

Gray Jay: single along Highway 60 between Lookout Trail and
Eucalia Lake; pair near chain gate along old railway east of
Arowhon Road; pair along old railway at West Rose Lake.

Boreal Chickadee: At least three vocalizing birds allowing
brief but good views along old railway near West Rose Lake.

Other highlights included:
American Bittern: first of the spring, at Cache Lake marsh.

Osprey: one over Tea Lake Dam road.

Merlin: pair at Harkness Fish Lab on Lake Opeongo

Blue-headed Vireo: singing male across from Cache Lake
Marsh. This was a new early date for Algonquin; previous
earliest was April 20.

Pine Warbler: two singing males near site 22 in Lake of Two
Rivers Campground. (No Yellow-rumped Warblers were
observed today.)

We would like to thank everyone who came on today's trip.
We walked a long way, but it was a fun day.

Good birding. Hope to see you next year.

Ron and Laura Tozer
Dwight

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 near the East Gate (km 56). Get your park permit
and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations
mentioned here) at the gates.

 

 

Re(2): Sandhill crane
Posted on April 19, 2010 at 09:28:13 AM by GayleCarlyle

We saw a pair of cranes in the same field on April 4th in the afternoon.
John got some pictures but he said they didn't turn out so well.

 

 

Re(1): Sandhill crane
Posted on April 18, 2010 at 09:37:06 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

Here is a picture we took of a lone sandhill crane on Brooks sideroad east of Washago.  Sandhill Crane photo

 

 

Sandhill crane
Posted on April 18, 2010 at 08:30:05 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

There was a lone sandhill crane on the east side of Brooks sideroad off hwy 169 just south of Washago this afternoon. Seemed to be feasting on last years cut corn stalks. Cheers Terry

 

 

Re(1): Pine warbler
Posted on April 18, 2010 at 10:01:55 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

Pine warbler at the cottage today 8km east of Washago. About 6 days earlier than last year!  Pine warbler photo

 

 

Pine warbler
Posted on April 18, 2010 at 08:24:37 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

I heard a very musical trill today and thought at first it was a Junco singing. I decided to check it out by listening to the birdsong CD I have in the car. First played the junco then a chipping sparrow and finally a pine warbler. I got an immediate territorial reaction as the pine warbler flew to within a few feet of the car. I got a great look at the pine warbler as he hung around close to the car for a good 10 minutes. Location is 8km east of Washago off Coopers falls road. Cheers Terry

 

 

Blue-headed Vireo east of Bracebridge
Posted on April 18, 2010 at 10:49:14 AM by Al Sinclair

We just heard our first Blue-headed Vireo this year (April 18), 8km east of Bracebridge. First last year was April 25.

 

 

Bluebirds at Bracebridge
Posted on April 18, 2010 at 09:51:30 AM by Al Sinclair

Barry Faulkner reports that yesterday at noon (April 17), a pair of Bluebirds was checking out the boxes on his fence line at 1680 Cedar Lane, Bracebridge.

 

 

Re(1): Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Bracebridge)
Posted on April 16, 2010 at 05:45:36 PM by ron tozer

This is great news that at least one Hog-nosed Snake is still present at Henry Marsh. Readers may recall that one was found there during a Huntsville Nature Club trip on 27 April 2008.

 

 

Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Bracebridge)
Posted on April 16, 2010 at 04:24:44 PM by Barbara Taylor

Today at 1:30 p.m. we were walking along the Henry Trail looking up in the trees for birds, but a hissing sound made me look down. Whoa, a Cobra! Man, did I jump back, as the snake was only about three feet away from me and I hadn't noticed it until we were right on top of it. From a more respectable distance, we had a very good look at what was actually a harmless Eastern Hog-nosed Snake. It continued to hiss while holding its head up high pretending to be a Cobra so we decided to turn back and not disturb it. So can't say what might have been at the Henry Marsh, but who cares...what a find! And so unexpected right there in the middle of the trail.

The Hog-nosed Snake is a "species at risk". You can watch a video and view photos at:
http://www.wasagabeachpark.com/index.php?action=display&cat=9

Snake reference guides:
http://www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond/Snakes.asp?sn=6

http://www.scisnake.com/download/snakesreferenceguide.pdf

 

 

Rufus sided Towhee
Posted on April 16, 2010 at 02:09:30 PM by BonnieDeVillers

Seen two male Towhees in the dead leaves about four feet from me. They were very busy and did not see me observing them. Not very often I see these birds. Its a thrill to see them. I live in Lafontaine close to Georgian Bay.

 

 

Yellow-Rumped Warblers - Muldrew Lake
Posted on April 16, 2010 at 01:24:01 PM by Kip Daynard

Our first of year arrived yesterday with at least two singing.

 

 

Algonquin Park Birding Update: 15 April
Posted on April 16, 2010 at 08:48:29 AM by Ontbirds

*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 16, 2010) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.

Following the flurry of new arrivals and birders during
last week's Easter Weekend, things slowed down significantly
this week in typical mid April fashion in Algonquin.

New arrival reports were limited to Sandhill Crane on April 11
and Hermit Thrush on April 12. Sandhill Cranes are rare but
apparently increasing in Algonquin Park, and were observed
at four different locations here this week.

Common Loons were still not widespread by the end of the week,
even though all lakes have been open since April 7.

The first of the three Highway 60 Owl Surveys produced Barred
Owls at km 4, km 10 and km 12 on April 14. No Northern
Saw-whet Owls were heard, as expected given the low small
mammal numbers.

A few Wild Turkeys were observed along Highway 60, apparently
part of the April move back into the Park noted in recent years.

Boreal Species:

Spruce Grouse: A displaying male was observed in the black
spruce bog along the north end of Opeongo Road on April 12.

Gray Jay: Birds were noted at the Logging Museum parking
lot, and at the chain gate along the old railway west of Wolf Howl
Pond this week.

We would appreciate receiving your bird observations
for our Visitor Centre records. Weekend visitors are
encouraged to add their observations of newly arrived
migrants to the sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON

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 near 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 details on recent sightings,
feeders, and park information, and is open this weekend from
10 am to 5 pm. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available
in the restaurant, but not full meal service.

Birder access to the Visitor Centre through the service
entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on
weekdays.

Algonquin Park birding updates and information are also
available at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca

 

 

BSC Owl Survey
Posted on April 15, 2010 at 05:06:12 PM by Gerald

I did my owl survey down South Wood Road last Saturday, April 10th. The night was a complet stike out with not a single owl!

 

Re(1): Possible Great Egret ...Wahta
Posted on April 16, 2010 at 06:15:35 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Today was the first chance I had to check around Wahta for a possible Great Egret. I drove out as far as the marina along the Go Home Bay Rd. but didn't see anything that could have been an egret. I did, however, see an Osprey hunting over the big wetland going out into Go Home Bay.

 

 

Re(1): Possible Great Egret ...Wahta
Posted on April 16, 2010 at 10:18:26 AM by GayleCarlyle

About 4 years ago we saw a great egret in a large backyard pond on Monck Rd. (Ramara Twp.) just east of Cty. Rd. 169.
So if it was from the Collingwood colony, that's quite a distance to travel.

 

 

Possible Great Egret ...Wahta
Posted on April 15, 2010 at 01:29:44 PM by Al Sinclair

I just received a report of a large white heron-like bird in a partly drained wetland north side of Hwy 38 just west of "Wahta Smokes" smoke shop near the east side of Wahta. It was seen Sunday April 11, not checked since to see if it is still there.
It could be one of the Egrets from the Nottawasaga Is. colony near Collingwood.

 

 

Hermit Thrush - Muldrew Lake
Posted on April 15, 2010 at 09:36:34 AM by Kip Daynard

Heard the rising 'Shree' of the Hermit Thrush out my bedroom window this morning.
Pine Warbler is back here as of yesterday.

 

 

Wilson's Snipe
Posted on April 14, 2010 at 07:23:57 PM by janice house

I noticed something hanging from the bell wires across from the house today driving to work, tonight on my dog walk I discovered it was a snipe. It must have flown into the wire and got the bottom of its bill caught in a small wire wrapping the cable together. I went home and got the snow rake to release the poor thing.

 

 

Locations needed for "TURTLE CROSSING" signs
Posted on April 13, 2010 at 06:05:34 PM by Al Sinclair

Jan McDonnell at MNR has some TURTLE CROSSING highway signs that the District of Muskoka will install on district roads in the next couple of weeks. Jan would like suggestions on where they are needed. If anyone has seen a turtle road kill or removed a turtle from the road somewhere in the last couple of years that would be a good location for a sign. Please send your suggestions to me at the email address above. A nearby 911 sign will help identify the location and note that this is for numbered District roads only.

 

 

Re(1): Cormorant - Gravenhurst wharf
Posted on April 13, 2010 at 04:38:52 PM by Barbara Taylor

There was one Double-crested Cormorant standing on a large rock at Doe Lake (Gravenhurst) on March 30, but haven't noticed any since then.

 

 

Cormorant - Gravenhurst wharf
Posted on April 13, 2010 at 02:59:34 PM by Kip Daynard

Haven't seen any reports of Cormorants yet this spring. We saw one around 5pm at the Gravenhurst wharf on Sunday afternoon Apr. 11th.

 

 

Hardy Lake, Hwy 169 - Pine Warblers, Sandhill Cranes etc.
Posted on April 13, 2010 at 12:21:44 PM by Kip Daynard

This morning there were 2 BUFFLEHEAD and 2 COMMON GOLDENEYE on Muskoka Bay visible from Hwy 169 near Loon Lake Rd.

At 9:15am two SANDHILL CRANES were feeding just 100ft off hwy 169 in the fields to west of Parker's Point Rd. They seemed quite unconcerned with the passing cars, but were gone when I passed that way 90 minutes later.

A 3km walk in Hardy Lake Provincial Park produced 22 species:

PINE WARBLER (2)
FOX SPARROW (1)
Song Sparrow (5)
Dark-eyed Junco (3)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (3)
White-breasted Nuthatch (4+)
Eastern Phoebe (2)
WINTER WREN (2)
COMMON LOON (1 flying)
Bufflehead (28)
RING-NECKED DUCK (6)
Wood Duck (3)
Canada Goose (2)
Mallard (2)
Red-winged Blackbird
American Crow
Common Raven
American Goldfinch
Black-capped Chickadee
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3)
American Robin
Ruffed Grouse (2 drumming)

My first of year in caps :)
Good birding!

 

 

Ragged Rapids Road, Bala
Posted on April 13, 2010 at 09:49:00 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Along Ragged Rapids Rd this morning at 7:30 am I heard robins, 2 Winter Wrens in different locations, a Chipping Sparrow and heard 1 Hermit Thrush. I did see three Hermit Thrushes together.   photo  There was a Chipping Sparrow at my home feeder yesterday, too.

 

 

Brown Creeper nest photo
Posted on April 13, 2010 at 08:29:33 AM by DiannaWolfe

The other day, we came upon our resident Creepers acting agitated in our back woods. Upon closer inspection, we found what appeared to be their nest: a jumble of old hemlock twigs, spider webs, and thin strips of dead wood jammed under a raised flap of bark on a rotting tree.

The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas confirmed our suspicions, commenting that "The female builds the nest, typically between the trunk and a flap of bark on a dead tree." Nests are apparently difficult to find, so I thought I'd share this one with you.  photo

 

 

Broad-wings coming
Posted on April 12, 2010 at 10:33:10 PM by Al Sinclair

The first Broad-winged Hawks passed by the Grimsby hawkwatch on the weekend, 74 total (reported on Ontbirds). We should see a few here by the end of the week.

 

 

Re(1): Barred Owl calling last night
Posted on April 13, 2010 at 01:08:11 PM by jim griffin

Last night I did my BSC nocturnal owl survey;a route along south potage and north portage roads(Lake of Bays): I got 9 responses over my 10 stations,2 were doubles (possible pairs)and had visual contact with 3 of the 9. A good night.

 

 

Barred Owl calling last night
Posted on April 12, 2010 at 09:12:42 PM by Kip Daynard

Woke around 3am last night to hear the Barred Owl calling through my closed window. He (she?) tends to call from the big pines across on the uninhabited island across from our dock in North Muldrew Lake.

 

 

Bala Arrivals
Posted on April 12, 2010 at 06:13:29 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

One Common Loon, two Wood Ducks and one female Hooded Merganser on my lake this afternoon!

 

 

Frogs calling
Posted on April 12, 2010 at 04:33:56 PM by Barbara Taylor

This afternoon there were a few Wood Frogs, Leopard Frogs, and Spring Peepers calling from various flooded areas near the north-west corner of cell 4 at the Bracebridge Ponds. Here's a link with species descriptions and you can listen to their different calls: http://www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond/frogs.asp

 

 

White-throated sparrow and others
Posted on April 12, 2010 at 10:25:00 AM by GayleCarlyle

This past weekend we heard a meadowlark and a kingfisher while driving around north Severn township.
Yesterday we had a white-throated sparrow eating seed on the ground with about 6 juncoes joining in the feast.
On Saturday we watched a male hairy woodpecker jockeying for position on a niger seed feeder with a male pileated woodpecker. Both had their feathers up but refrained from attacking each other. The pileated took off first.
We live on Green River Drive in Washago

 

 

Northern Harrier - Muldrew Lake
Posted on April 11, 2010 at 07:46:41 PM by Kip Daynard

On Saturday afternoon, May 10th, a Harrier flew in typical lilting manner low over my yard southwards. I could not be certain of the gender as it was backlit, but would guess female.

 

 

Osprey
Posted on April 11, 2010 at 07:07:26 PM by J. Gardner

Our local osprey pair (they nest in a pond beyond our pond) came in for a flypast at the cocktail hour this evening. They gave a very nice aerial display as if celebrating their own arrival. June Gardner (Hurdville)

 

 

Re(1): Bracebridge Ponds today
Posted on April 13, 2010 at 12:45:31 PM by Barbara Taylor

This morning there was nothing new in the way of ducks...same species that Al listed. A lone Killdeer was in cell 3 and a couple of Brown-headed Cowbirds were at the edge of the woods west of cell 2. The construction crew was busy grading the roadway between cells 1 and 2 so not a good spot for any new birds to come in today.

 

 

Bracebridge Ponds today
Posted on April 10, 2010 at 08:57:24 PM by Al Sinclair

Not many species there yet, about 100 ducks mostly Buffleheads. See list below. The Muskoka Field Naturalists has written authorization from the District to access the ponds during construction of the new sewage plant in order to "monitor the birds". I don't think birders will be challenged as long as we enter through Kerr Park and stay away from the construction area.  photo

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Green-winged Teal
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Ruffed Grouse
Ring-billed Gull
Northern Flicker
Species seen - 10

 

 

(1): Pied-billed Grebe at Henry Marsh...pond photos
Posted on April 10, 2010 at 08:44:48 PM by Al Sinclair

I was in there around 3pm, heard a Grebe calling from the marsh on the way in. It took a while but using a scope I finally found 2 together along the far shore, west side near the big dead tree. I counted around 30 ducks total, a Canada Goose appeared to be sitting on a nest near the Grebes.

It is a beautiful sight to see the pond full of water again. I'm not sure why the town put the dam back or who paid for it as well as filling the marsh it also keeps the beavers from blocking the culverts under the snowmobile trail. Last fall the snowmobile crossing was in bad shape, washed out in two spots. Now it's is all fixed and covered with wood chips. Took some photos of the marsh recently, should be lots of wildlife in there this year.  photo1  photo2  photo3  photo4

 

 

Pied-billed Grebe at Henry Marsh
Posted on April 10, 2010 at 01:14:41 PM by Barbara Taylor

This morning there was a Pied-billed Grebe at Henry Marsh, along with a few Ring-necked Ducks, Buffleheads, Mallards, a pair of Hooded Mergansers, and Canada Geese. There was also a beaver, a muskrat, two Belted Kingfishers, Common Raven, Turkey Vulture, and a Tree Swallow. Just west of the marsh there were Golden-crowned Kinglets, a Ruffed Grouse, and a Pileated Woodpecker.

Note: The trail into the marsh from Henry Rd. is badly flooded by the "T" in the trail. Last fall's newly constructed man-made dam by the bridge seems to have been built a bit too high so the water level is backing up at the "T" and also is washing over the dike in places west of the bridge. Rubber boots are definitely necessary if approaching the marsh from Henry Rd. but shoes are okay if you're nimble and come in via the trail from Stephens Bay Rd. (parking/trailhead at Strawberry Bay Rd.)

Map of the area with notes about the trails...a work in progress.

 

 

Harris's Sparrow plumage transition
Posted on April 10, 2010 at 10:45:52 AM by Al Sinclair

Bill Dickinson sent a recent photo of the Harris's Sparrow coming to his feeder near Bracebridge. I posted an earlier photo also for comparison. It was not seen for a while but returned when the temperatures dropped this week. It should soon be leaving for north-western Canada.

It shows that the bird is changing from 1st winter to breeding plumage. Male and female plumage is identical. This species is so rare here that we don't often get a chance to observe the timing and transition of its plumage changes.  January 19, 2010 photo   April 9, 2010 photo

 

 

Algonquin Park Birding Update: 8 April
Posted on April 9, 2010 at 04:16:30 PM by Ontbirds

*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 8, 2010) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.

The last lake along Highway 60 to become free of ice,
Opeongo (Algonquin's largest lake), opened up on April 7.
This was the earliest date ever for Opeongo in 47 years,
beating the previous earliest on 12 April 1981. Only rare
snow patches in extremely deep shade remain. Wood
Frogs and Spring Peepers were calling on April 2, a
record early date for both. Spring Beauty is in
bloom, and probably Trout Lily as well now, both likely
earlier than ever noted before.

Interestingly, many lakes opened up before Common Loons
returned. There had been loon reports from only two
lakes as of April 7. Loons typically arrive in Algonquin
when the first small areas of open water appear.

Most migrants are arriving early, and three all-time
early records were set this week: Canada Goose
(interior subspecies), Common Loon and Osprey. A
female Giant Canada Goose incubating eggs along
Costello Creek on April 4 was the earliest ever found
here.

New migrants reported this week included:

April 1: Canada Goose (interior subspecies), Bufflehead,
Northern Harrier, Eastern Phoebe

April 2: Turkey Vulture, American Woodcock,
Ring-billed Gull, Winter Wren, Fox Sparrow,
Eastern Meadowlark

April 3: Common Loon, Killdeer, Mourning Dove,
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Tree Swallow

April 4: American Kestrel, Wilson's Snipe, Savannah
Sparrow

April 5: Osprey, Rusty Blackbird

April 6: Yellow-rumped Warbler

Other Species of Interest:

Bald Eagle: Two were over the Old Airfield on April 4,
and one was at Jake Lake on April 5.

Spruce Grouse: A male was along the Opeongo Road
on April 3.

Black-backed Woodpecker: Look in the km 8 area and
try Barred Owl calls to get them to respond.

Gray Jay: One was at Wolf Howl Pond on April 4, and two
were at the Visitor Centre feeders on April 7. The first nestlings
were banded by Dan Strickland this week, again a record
early date.

Boreal Chickadee: Try Opeongo Road and the old railway
from Arowhon Road to Wolf Howl Pond. Listen for the
distinctive calls.

Bohemian Waxwing: Five were feeding on common juniper
berries at the lookout on Barron Canyon Trail (accessible
from Pembroke area via Barron Canyon Road) on April 2.

Pine Siskin: Three (including a singing male) were at the
Visitor Centre on April 7.

Evening Grosbeak: A few have been fairly regular at the
Visitor Centre.

We would appreciate receiving your bird observations
for our Visitor Centre records. Weekend visitors are
encouraged to add their observations of newly arrived
migrants to the sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON

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 near 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 details on recent sightings,
feeders, and park information, and is open this weekend from
10 am to 5 pm. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available
in the restaurant, but not full meal service.

Birder access to the Visitor Centre through the service
entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on
weekdays.

Algonquin Park birding updates and information are also
available at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca

 

 

Re(1): Fox Sparrow
Posted on April 9, 2010 at 07:39:35 PM by dinnymccraney

I've had a solitary chipping sparrow in the feeder the past 2 mornings (Bracebridge)

 

 

Fox Sparrow
Posted on April 9, 2010 at 10:36:38 AM by Goodyear

We had our first Fox Sparrow of the spring this morning. It was associating with a large mixed flock of Juncos, Song Sparrows, and Tree Sparrows. (Meadow Heights Drive, Bracebridge)

 

 

Hermit Thrush and Coyote
Posted on April 9, 2010 at 08:27:28 AM by DiannaWolfe

Heard my first hermit thrush last night after dinner and a coyote came gamboling through our woods this morning. (Kilworthy)

 

 

Native Plant Sale
Posted on April 7, 2010 at 11:55:42 PM by DiannaWolfe

This message has been approved by the Bird Board administrator.

The Muskoka Heritage Foundation, as part of its Natural Heritage Program, is currently accepting orders for its annual Native Plant Sale. A diverse selection of trees, shrubs, flowering plants, and groundcovers is being offered. Native plants are ideal for restoration projects as well as landscaping designs, and do not threaten local biodiversity as non-native, invasive plant species do.

Information and order forms can be obtained on the Muskoka Heritage Foundation website:
Muskoka Heritage Foundation

 

 

Winter Wren
Posted on April 7, 2010 at 09:18:45 AM by Debbie Adams

For the past several days, I've heard a Winter Wren singing it's heart out, mornings and evenings. I've heard this bird song in the past but didn't know who it belonged to until learning more about birds through this Bird Board. Thanks Barbara! (Walker's Point)

 

 

Easter Weekend in Magnetawan
Posted on April 6, 2010 at 08:07:07 PM by Alex Mills

On April 3, there were numerous spring birds back at Magnetawan in central Parry Sound, including Winter Wren (1), Flicker (1), Eastern Phoebe (several), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1), Ring-necked Duck (15). Although there were not yet many spring peepers peeping, we saw hundreds of Wood Frogs and close to 200 Yellow-spotted Salamanders.

 

 

Re(1): Sapsucker
Posted on April 14, 2010 at 08:07:17 AM by janice house

we had a sapsucker in our yard on the weekend, Doe Lake Rd

 

 

Sapsucker
Posted on April 6, 2010 at 05:01:31 PM by Kip Daynard

Heard my first yellow-bellied Sapsucker of the year here today at N. Muldrew Lake Gravenhurst.

 

 

Loon in Washago
Posted on April 6, 2010 at 01:35:10 PM by GayleCarlyle

Yesterday morning we heard a loon calling as it flew overhead at our home on Green River Drive in Washago.
Also heard a winter wren this morning.

 

 

Sandhill cranes, leopard frogs
Posted on April 6, 2010 at 12:44:50 PM by John Challis

Sunday, on east side of Brooks Sideroad, between Highway 169 and Fairgrounds Road, southeast of Washago, a pair of sandhill cranes was feeding in a muddy farmfield. This was around 5:30 p.m. Both had quite rusty plumage over their gray feathers, one moreso than the other. I don't know if this denotes juvenile plumage, pre-breeding plumage or male-female differences.
This morning, behind our house on Green River Drive, Washago, the leopard frogs had begun their snoring. Woodfrogs had been clucking on Good Friday evening ... I haven't heard them in the last day or two but we were in Brampton for the weekend.

 

 

Bird Board Update
Posted on April 5, 2010 at 08:59:00 PM by Barbara Taylor

Thanks to everyone for all your reports. All posts for January thru March are now available in the Archived Reports.

Check out my list of Other Nature Websites for websites helpful in identifying birds, dragonflies, butterflies, wildflowers, mushrooms, and more.

Need help posting photos? Find instructions and do 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
muskoka_birder@hotmail.com

 

 

Pond visitors
Posted on April 5, 2010 at 04:51:46 PM by CatMacLean

New arrivals today have been the Fox Sparrow, same date as last year, as well as a pair of Wood Ducks and a Kingfisher.  (Huntsville)

 

 

Re(1): Escaped Domestic Ducks?
Posted on April 6, 2010 at 10:37:53 PM by Doug Smith

They may be the 'Khaki Campbell' breed, though one looks like a pied.

 

 

Escaped Domestic Ducks?
Posted on April 5, 2010 at 01:55:59 PM by Barbara Taylor

Here's a photo that Jerry Gagne posted on the Nature Photos Board - location is Gravenhurst. (link to the post)
Does anyone recognize the breed?  photo

 

 

Moth photo from last night
Posted on April 5, 2010 at 12:51:11 PM by Al Sinclair

10487 Orthosia rubescens Ruby Quaker  photo

 

 

Re(1): Spring Peeper...photo
Posted on April 5, 2010 at 07:48:23 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

Very nice Al! I must admit I have rarely seen a Spring peeper even though there are just deafening behind our place at this time of year! Nice shot! Cheers Terry

 

 

Re(1): Spring Peeper...photo
Posted on April 5, 2010 at 07:48:23 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

Very nice Al! I must admit I have rarely seen a Spring peeper even though there are just deafening behind our place at this time of year! Nice shot! Cheers Terry

 

 

Spring Peeper...photo
Posted on April 5, 2010 at 11:54:13 AM by Al Sinclair

Spring Peeper - Pseudacris_crucifer
On our window April 3, 2010.  photo

 

 

Re(1): Trumpeters on Muskoka River...update
Posted on April 5, 2010 at 01:58:26 PM by Al Sinclair

Heather reports they were back yesterday, April 4.

 

 

Trumpeters on Muskoka River...followup
Posted on April 5, 2010 at 11:24:40 AM by Al Sinclair

The 2 year old male Trumpeter Swans H18 and E49 left on Thursday last week last I heard from Heather Coupland who was watching them.
We had a call from Harry Lumsden with an update on their recent travels. After they left the Bracebridge Ponds in April last year they were not reported again until November when they were at Sturgeon Bay (south end of Georgian Bay). They spent the winter on Burlington Bay with many of the other Trumpeters. I asked Harry why two boys were traveling together and he said 2 yr old males were not interested in girls yet. Male swans don't pair up until they are 3 yrs old, females until 4yrs.
If anybody sees these two during the summer send in a report. It must be some isolated pond in Parry Sound or Muskoka.

 

 

Red-Winged Blackbird
Posted on April 4, 2010 at 04:00:08 PM by kerina

We saw our first Red-Winged Blackbird on Brunel St. in Huntsville today.

 

 

Waterthrush and Bluebird
Posted on April 4, 2010 at 11:16:22 AM by Ron Stager

Heard these birds during the morning walk east of Barkway. Also a Pine Warbler.
Spring Beauties blooming in the woods.
Ron

 

 

Northern Harrier
Posted on April 3, 2010 at 05:02:57 PM by janice house

A male was just cruising the farm field and creek across from the house just now (Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst)

 

 

Flicker
Posted on April 3, 2010 at 01:46:13 PM by J. Gardner

Flicker, Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal are today's arrivals in Hurdville.

 

 

Re(1): Purple finch
Posted on April 5, 2010 at 08:00:05 PM by Kip Daynard

A male Purple Finch arrived at our feeder on North Muldrew Lake Rd. Gravenhurst today. First I've seen here this year.

 

 

Purple finch
Posted on April 3, 2010 at 10:10:09 AM by Ted Gardner

We had a pair of Purple finches yesterday and again this morning
120 Meadow Hieghts BB

 

 

Re(1): Video featuring Doug Tozer and birds of Algonquin
Posted on April 5, 2010 at 08:39:13 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam

Congratulations Doug on your PhD! Well done! Cheers Terry & Marion Whittam (brother of Bob Whittam a good friend of your dad!)

 

 

Re(1): Video featuring Doug Tozer and birds of Algonquin
Posted on April 3, 2010 at 04:01:23 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Congratulations, Doug! Also, to his enthusiatic and caring parents who have nutured and encouraged a huge number of birders over the years!

 

 

Video featuring Doug Tozer and birds of Algonquin
Posted on April 2, 2010 at 09:55:12 PM by Al Sinclair

This is a good one. The quality of video is excellent and features a local boy who has just completed his Ph.D. at Trent. Congratulations Doug.
Be sure to select the quality to 720P HD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4Wz-9U5pSw

 

 

Spring Symphony
Posted on April 2, 2010 at 08:49:50 PM by Kip Daynard

A veritable symphony of natural sound and dance is playing out here this evening... the virtuosic peeent and twittering aerial ballet of the Woodcock out my window above a continuo of Wood frogs and a lone Spring Peeper trying to keep in time. I'm just waiting for the Barred Owl to join in... he did last night.

Ah... Sounds of spring, soothing to the soul.

 

 

Re(1): Purple finches and juncos
Posted on April 2, 2010 at 03:36:15 PM by Kip Daynard

A flock of about 8 Juncos and a Song Sparrow here today - all firsts of year for me. Robin numbers also increasing, 4 on the lawn this morning digging for worms.
Muldrew Lake, Gravenhurst

 

 

Purple finches and juncos
Posted on April 2, 2010 at 03:03:37 PM by Marilyn Kisser

new visitors today ... male and female purple finches, juncos and phoebe ... just outside of Rosseau

 

 

Re(1): First Black Bear of the season
Posted on April 3, 2010 at 04:19:02 PM by Marilyn Kisser

Crawford St. Rosseau .. off the Aspdin Road ... and he was back again last night!

 

 

Re(1): First Black Bear of the season
Posted on April 3, 2010 at 04:11:21 PM by MichaelHatton

Location?

 

 

First Black Bear of the season
Posted on April 2, 2010 at 03:01:20 PM by Marilyn Kisser

we woke up this morning to bird feeders and suet baskets all over the yard ... this is the earliest visit we have ever had by a black bear! time to bring the feeders in at night ...just outside of Rosseau

 

 

Re(1): Addendum...
Posted on April 4, 2010 at 10:06:58 PM by Ontbirds

*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 2, 2010) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.

A couple of items that I neglected to include in the report:

Belted Kingfisher: the first was seen on March 31 near the
Source Lake Road.

Northern Shrike: One singing was observed at Long
Lake and another was noted at Cache Lake, on April 1.

Ron Tozer
Dwight, ON

 

 

Algonquin Park Birding Update: 1 April
Posted on April 2, 2010 at 08:21:16 AM by Ontbirds

*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 2, 2010) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.

The very warm temperatures by week's end resulted
in some small lakes (Long, Mew, Eos) along Highway
60 becoming ice-free on April 1. Snow cover is now
mainly in deeply shaded north-facing areas.

An influx of migrants was dominated by waterbirds.
Arrivals this week included: Wood Duck, Mallard,
Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead,
Common Goldeneye, Great Blue Heron, Northern
Harrier, Merlin (at the East Gate), Eastern Phoebe,
Golden-crowned Kinglet and Song Sparrow.

The next six weeks will be prime time to see the
boreal species that many birders come to Algonquin
Park to find.

A male Spruce Grouse was right on the trail along
Spruce Bog Boardwalk beyond the long boardwalk
across the bog on April 1.

A female Black-backed Woodpecker responded to a
Barred Owl imitation at Heron Creek, which is about
a kilometre inside the West Gate on Highway 60, and
a male was drumming on the first utility pole east of
the Tea Lake Dam road, on April 1.

Gray Jays were seen on the Opeongo Road this week.

There were about 10 Evening Grosbeaks at the Visitor
Centre feeders on April 1, and a Pine Siskin was among
the American Goldfinches there on March 31.

We would appreciate receiving your bird observations
for our Visitor Centre records. Weekend visitors are
encouraged to add their observations of newly arrived
migrants to the sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby.

THE VISITOR CENTRE IS OPEN DAILY ON APRIL
2 TO 5, FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON

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 near 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 details on recent sightings,
feeders, and park information, and is open this weekend from
10 am to 5 pm. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available
in the restaurant this winter, but not full meal service.

Birder access to the Visitor Centre through the service
entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on
weekdays.

Algonquin Park birding updates and information are also
available at:
www.algonquinpark.on.ca

 

 

Tree Swallows
Posted on April 2, 2010 at 02:41:26 PM by J. Gardner

A number of Tree Swallows came in this morning. Already scrapping over the boxes. Hurdville

 

 

Tree Swallow
Posted on April 2, 2010 at 07:46:58 AM by janice house

I saw/heard my first one this morning on my dog walk, Geoff say one yesterday on the hydro wires across from the house (Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst)

 

 

Rough-legged Hawk
Posted on April 1, 2010 at 07:03:20 PM by J. Gardner

Angry crows alerted us to the first Rough-legged Hawk of this season. Ducks and geese on the creek and pond, but little except the black birds visiting feeders. Hurdville

 

 

Broad wing
Posted on April 1, 2010 at 05:23:34 PM by CatMacLean

I have had a Broad wing Hawk riding the thermals at our place in Huntsville all day and I have heard our first spring peeper although the ice isn't totally off our pond. No Phoebe although we had one March 29 last year.

 

 

Ivory-billed Hummingbird
Posted on April 1, 2010 at 08:39:57 AM by Kip Daynard

Had one in my yard this morning... Is this a new Muskoka record? ;)

Seriously, someone over at hummingbirds.net has a sense of humour. Today their Ruby-throated Hummingbird spring migration map is showing a map for 'the elusive Ivory-billed Hummingbird': http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html

Quote from this page: “Little is known about the elusive Ivory-billed Hummingbird, which hibernates for 364 days, then appears on April 1 each year.”
The contents of this map may change after today so I've posted a screen capture of it as well: map screen capture

 

 

Re(2): Eastern Phoebe
Posted on April 2, 2010 at 02:57:32 PM by Marilyn Kisser

phoebe is here just outside of Rosseau this morning too:-)

 

 

Re(1): Eastern Phoebe
Posted on April 2, 2010 at 11:04:44 AM by Kip Daynard

First Phoebe of year heard singing here at dawn on North Muldrew Lake, Gravenhurst. Seems a real wave of them came in yesterday!

 

 

Re(1): Eastern Phoebe
Posted on April 2, 2010 at 01:03:33 PM by Al Sinclair

Our first was today at 11AM, 8km east of Bracebridge.

 

 

Re(2): Eastern Phoebe
Posted on April 1, 2010 at 01:27:59 PM by GayleCarlyle

We heard a phoebe last night, March 31st at about 6:00pm. John was laughing at me because I did a little "yippee" dance when I heard it.
One of my favourite bird calls and a welcome sign of spring.  (Washago)

 

 

Re(1): Eastern Phoebe
Posted on April 1, 2010 at 10:03:00 AM by janice house

I saw and heard my first phoebe this morning walking on Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst

 

 

Re(1): Eastern Phoebe
Posted on April 1, 2010 at 10:51:33 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman

Yes!!! One just landed on a usual perch here at my place in Bala!

 

 

Eastern Phoebe
Posted on April 1, 2010 at 07:46:27 AM by Debbie Adams

Just heard a Phoebe singing. Here's hoping it will nest here again this year.
Walker's Point