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Deer carcass on
Bracebridge trail
Posted on March 30, 2014 at 11:52:20 AM by Barbara Taylor
Just a warning if you plan a hike with young
children or dogs...a bit of a messy sight.
This morning we came upon a very fresh,
partially eaten deer carcass right in the middle of the trail a short distance
north of Meadow Heights Dr. as you go down into the Beaver Creek ravine
(trailhead at the vacant lot #77 Meadow Heights Dr., Bracebridge)
Re(1):
Red-shouldered Hawk, Robin - Bracebridge
Posted on April 1, 2014 at 07:53:53 AM by catmaclean
I saw a red-shouldered Hawk circling yesterday
afternoon, Huntsville.
Red-shouldered Hawk,
Robin - Bracebridge
Posted on March 30, 2014 at 10:40:18 AM by Al Sinclair
At 10:30 this morning a Red-shouldered Hawk was
calling and circling over a traditional nesting territory here. At the same
time an American Robin was scolding in a tree beside the yard apparently not
pleased at the 2ft plus snow cover.
On 118E 8km east of Bracebridge.
Spring Migration
2014
Posted on March 30, 2014 at 09:25:27 AM by Barbara Taylor
I've delayed posting my list of migration
websites until we finally got more normal springtime temperatures and a bit of
bare ground. But the birds don't want to wait...this morning a Robin showed up
in our yard (Bracebridge).
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have reached
Tennessee, Chimney Swifts have been reported in North Carolina, and a Purple
Martin has been spotted in Ontario north of Leamington. Several Red-shouldered
Hawks have already been tallied over Beamer Hawkwatch in Grimsby, and
Broad-winged Hawks aren't too far behind...many have been streaming by the
Texas hawkwatch stations. And keep an eye on the Hamilton Peregrine Falcon webcam...they are
spending more time at their nest ledge now in preparation for egg laying.
The following collection of websites will be
helpful in following the 2014 Spring Migration. Some of these websites include
data from past years which will give you an idea of peak migration times...or just
check the recent posts on regional email lists to see what's coming our way.
Hummingbird Migration Map
Purple Martin Migration Map
Chimney Swift
Migration Map
Journey
North (First Sightings of Orioles, Barn Swallows, Loons, Monarch
Butterflies, and more)
HawkCount
- daily reports
Niagara
Peninsula Hawkwatch (Beamer) - Open House April 18
Recent Posts from ONTBIRDS
Other Regional Email Lists
Tommy
Thompson Park Bird Research Station (Toronto's Leslie St. Spit) - Spring
Bird Festival May 10th
Long Point
Bird Observatory
Prince
Edward Point Bird Observatory - Spring Birding Festival May 10-19
Bruce
Peninsula Bird Observatory
Migration of Birds
Common Grackle
Posted on March 29, 2014 at 02:15:04 PM by janice house
Just saw a lone grackle on the peanut feeder in
the back yard
(Doe Lake Rd., Gravenhurst)
Muskoka Field
Naturalists - next meeting April 3
Posted on March 29, 2014 at 01:11:34 PM by Barbara
Taylor
MFN meeting Thursday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m., in
Gravenhurst
Severe Weather and Changing Patterns
with Geoff Coulson
Geoff is the Warning Preparedness Meteorologist
with Environment Canada, and will be presenting a talk on climate change and
what it means for our weather.
Meetings for February through June are held at
the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre (Grace and Speed) at Muskoka Wharf, 275
Steamship Bay Road in Gravenhurst.
All meetings commence at 7:30 p.m. unless
otherwise indicated. Visitors welcome to attend.
source: MFN website -
http://www.muskokafieldnaturalists.com
Red-winged
Blackbird -- Henry Marsh
Posted on March 29, 2014 at 12:12:38 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning a very optimistic Red-winged
Blackbird was singing at Henry Marsh (first one I've seen this year). Along the
trail east of the marsh there were a few Purple Finch, American Goldfinch, and
Dark-eyed Juncos in full song, as well as a Brown Creeper. (Bracebridge)
The trail is still in excellent condition even
after yesterday's rain...snowshoes not needed.
Directions to Bracebridge Ponds/Henry Marsh:
see my Area trails map (click on trail sections and markers for
info/photos; click Map or Satellite button at upper right to swit
GB Herons and
singing Purple Finch
Posted on March 29, 2014 at 11:08:24 AM by diannawolfe
Was happy to hear our first singing Purple
Finch yesterday, amidst the chorus of Goldfinches. Later in the afternoon, three
Great Blue Herons soared over, looking for open water in our well-frozen ponds.
Needless to say, they kept flying south. (Kilworthy)
Northern Shrike
Posted on March 28, 2014 at 06:11:49 PM by TheCardys
Northern Shrike seen overlooking a meadow in
Grassmere east of Huntsville, just off hwy 60.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 27 March
Posted on March 28, 2014 at 10:28:34 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Mar. 27, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Reports of new arrivals this week were limited
to Herring Gull and
Red-winged Blackbird.
A Pine Marten was observed at the Visitor
Centre on the 22nd and 23rd, but
seeing it again may be difficult since its
visits are relatively brief.
Tomorrow (Friday, March 28), you will be able
to watch live streaming
video of the Visitor Centre bird feeders via
the Algonquin Park Webcam at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/index.php
Information about Algonquin Park birding
workshops is presented below,
with permission of the Ontbirds coordinator.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Males
have started to display.
Black-backed Woodpecker: A male was excavating
a fairly deep cavity in a
dead tree about 150 metres south of the foot
bridge at West Rose Lake along
the Mizzy Lake Trail on the 21st. Many of these
cavities created in March
and early April will be abandoned later. Most
nest cavities of this
woodpecker that get used are excavated from mid
April to mid May.
Gray Jay: Continue to be seen on Opeongo Road,
at Spruce Bog Boardwalk
and along the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake
section of Mizzy Lake Trail.
Females are now incubating eggs in most of the
24 nests found by researchers
this year.
Boreal Chickadee: One was observed along the
old railway bed section of
Mizzy Lake Trail on the 21st; and two were at
the suet cage opposite the
trail register on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the
26th, allowing great photo
opportunities.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: About 20 were at the Visitor
Centre feeders and others were
seen along the highway this week. Some males
are in full song.
Red Crossbill: One was seen on Opeongo Road and
two were along the
highway, on the 21st.
White-winged Crossbill: Two streaked
independent juveniles were along the
old railway bed section of Mizzy Lake Trail on
the 21st. These birds were
likely hatched far from Algonquin. The
"winter breeding period" (January to
March) of the White-winged Crossbill is
associated with abundant white
spruce cones (acc. to Benkman).
Pine Siskin: A single bird was observed along
Opeongo Road on the 21st.
American Goldfinch: Small numbers continue to
be seen, at the Visitor Centre
feeders and along the highway.
Evening Grosbeak: Up to 30 were at the Visitor
Centre feeders this week,
especially in the morning.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
The Friends of Algonquin Park is offering
birding workshops as part of
its Experience Algonquin Workshop Series:
The "Demystifying Algonquin Park Bird Song
Workshop² will be held on
May 31/June 1, 2014. Through indoor and field
excursions, discover the
techniques necessary to identify birds and
their songs, comparing similar
songsters, and learn how to use today¹s
advanced technology to assist in
making an identification. Pre-registration is
required.
For more information see:
http://tinyurl.com/apbirdsong
The "Identifying Confusing Fall Warblers
Workshop² will take place on
August 23/24, 2014. Algonquin Park¹s many warbler
species often appear very
similar and can overwhelm birders when found in
large multi-species flocks.
Participate in an indoor session to learn
techniques to separate confusing
fall warblers and then spend the remainder of
the workshop using your newly
acquired skills in Algonquin Park's best
birding areas to identify these
fall migrants. Pre-registration is required.
For more information see:
http://tinyurl.com/apfallwarblers
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Re(1): RWBB #1 and
other signs of spring
Posted on March 27, 2014 at 02:56:29 PM by janice house
We had our first purple finch and American
robin this morning. The red-winged blackbird is still at our feeders.
RWBB #1 and other
signs of spring
Posted on March 27, 2014 at 09:25:15 AM by John Challis
Finally! A few signs of spring. Saw and heard
my first red-winged blackbird this morning, on Green River Drive in Washago.
And my wife just reported a male purple finch
at one of our feeders.
The goldfinches are beginning to show patches
of colour change in their plumage.
Canada geese have been congregating in small
clusters.
And we have seen American crows and blue jays
carrying nesting material.
Lastly - I switched the down parka this morning
in favour of a lighter jacket.
Turkey Vulture
Posted on March 26, 2014 at 08:01:10 PM by TheCardys
Saw one lone Turkey Vulture soaring over
Windermere Rd near where it meets Deebank today, Wed March 26. Was coming in
very low with a couple Ravens harassing it.
Re(3): Canada Goose
Posted on March 27, 2014 at 01:07:01 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning a lone Canada Goose came in and
circled low over Henry Marsh, honking loudly all the while...probably didn't
like the completely iced in condition. Two Canada Geese were sitting on the ice
next to a small area of open water on the Muskoka River near the Riverside Inn.
(Bracebridge)
Re(2): Canada Goose
Posted on March 26, 2014 at 06:48:47 PM by
FrancesGualtieri
I saw one flying overhead while I was outside
yesterday digging out of the snow what was supposed to be next year's wood
supply.
Frances Gualtieri
Vankoughnet
Re(1): Canada Goose
Posted on March 26, 2014 at 03:34:18 PM by Jim Griffin
Had one standing in shallow water by the
landing at the rd 10 bridge in Port Sydney Monday afternoon and one fly over in
a northward direction yesterday afternoon.
Canada Goose
Posted on March 26, 2014 at 01:24:03 PM by janice house
a lone goose flew over our yard yesterday, Doe
Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Many Bald Eagle
sightings around Huntsville...Photo
Posted on March 25, 2014 at 03:09:30 PM by Al Sinclair
There have been many sightings of Bald Eagles
around Huntsville this winter. This photo was taken on Mar 24 by Thor Pederson
on Chub Lake just south of town. The deer went down on March 23. photo
A peck of these are
in the area.
Posted on March 25, 2014 at 02:10:02 PM by michaelhatton
Storm today has brought all the regular
suspects, including many Downy and Hairy examples, to the suet and seeds. There
is a lineup! (Leonard Lake) photo
Pileated
woodpeckers
Posted on March 24, 2014 at 08:45:11 PM by
dinnymccraney
We had 3 pileated woodpeckers here this morning
along with 3 bluejays and our usual flock of goldfinches. Quite a colourful
sight!
Could one of the woodpeckers have been the
offspring of the other two?
(Bracebridge)
Barred Owls calling
Posted on March 24, 2014 at 01:51:47 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around 11 a.m. this morning we were walking the
trails north of Meadow Heights Dr., when we came upon some noisy Blue Jays and a
Raven. They seemed rather upset about something in the woods nearby, but it was
too far away to see anything. As we stood there a Barred Owl began calling to
the south of us. Then another Barred Owl called just north of us, about where
the Jays had been. Several Woodpeckers were drumming and Purple Finches and
American Goldfinches were singing along the trail near Beaver Creek. Ahhh, the
sounds of spring...now if it would just warm up a bit.
Directions: see Google Map
(Access to the snowshoe trails is via the
vacant lot between #75 and #79 Meadow Heights Dr., Bracebridge. The trails are
currently in excellent condition and hard packed so no need for snowshoes.)
Re(2): Red-winged
Blackbird in Dwight
Posted on March 23, 2014 at 12:50:29 PM by J. Gardner
Had a redwing two days ago... he turned and
headed for Florida.. J. Gardner
Re(1): Red-winged
Blackbird in Dwight
Posted on March 23, 2014 at 11:56:13 AM by janice house
one showed up here this morning, Doe Lake Rd
Gravenhurst
Red-winged
Blackbird in Dwight
Posted on March 23, 2014 at 09:39:43 AM by Rick Stronks
Despite the cold weather, there must still be
some migration going on. We had a Red-winged Blackbird show up at our feeder
this morning.
Purple Finch,
Ruffed Grouse Bala
Posted on March 23, 2014 at 09:23:35 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
A beautiful male Purple Finch just stopped by
in my pin cherry trees. What a treat and glad I just refilled the feeders.
For two days a brightly coloured male Ruffed
Grouse has done its darndest to eat every single bud it could get to from the
pin cherry trees. First time I have ever seen one here in these trees. Yes,
lots of pictures!
Merlin
Posted on March 22, 2014 at 04:31:29 PM by janice house
Around 2:30 I heard one calling then saw the
merlin about an hour later, Laycox Rd & Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Snowy owl
Posted on March 22, 2014 at 11:15:22 AM by John Challis
Gayle here; I saw what I believe to have been a
snowy owl flying over Hwy. 11 at Ardtrea yesterday morning. (between Orillia
and Cumberland Beach)
Re(2): Flying
Squirrel problem
Posted on March 22, 2014 at 09:24:14 AM by Debbie Adams
Thanks for that info. I'll go looking for a
small animal trap.
We can't find where they are getting in, but
suspect it may be somewhere along the bottom of the siding. Where exactly is a
mystery though.
We hear them in random spots in the outside
walls. When I tap the wall from the inside, I can hear them hiss at me. Cheeky!
Re(1): Flying
Squirrel problem
Posted on March 22, 2014 at 08:02:34 AM by Wayne Bridge
We had the same problem two years in a row a
few years ago. I used a small animal live trap - I think I bought it at Home
Hardware in Huntsville - and that worked wonderfully. I used peanuts in the shell,
"glued" down with peanut butter, as bait. As I recall I caught 7 or 8
over the 2 years and released them out in the countryside well away from any
urban areas. The problem stopped when I closed up the spot they were using to
get in.
Flying Squirrel
problem
Posted on March 21, 2014 at 11:16:48 PM by Debbie Adams
We seem to have flying squirrels living in the
outside walls of our home. We've put out live mouse traps and while they want
to get at the bait (peanut butter) they can't get inside the traps. Actually,
it's amusing watching them trying to get in.
Can anyone suggest another method to catch them
so we can release them in a different location?
Thanks
Great blue heron
Posted on March 21, 2014 at 11:34:48 AM by John Challis
This morning at 7:30 a great blue heron flew
over the Green River. It circled a few times over the wetlands near Boyd's
Creek and then began working its way further north.
I don't give it great odds for finding a place
to hunt for food given the amount of snow cover. But if it finds a place where
the water's moving and there are lots of minnows and shiners I suppose it will
survive until warmer conditions prevail.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 20 March
Posted on March 21, 2014 at 09:37:01 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Mar. 20, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
New arrivals were limited to two Mourning Doves
on the 15th, as abnormally
cold temperatures, virtually no open water and
lingering deep snow on the
ground continue to discourage northward
movement by migrants.
One to three Ruffed Grouse and three Wild
Turkeys are being observed around
the Visitor Centre on most days.
An adult Bald Eagle, some Common Ravens and
several Eastern Wolves
(mostly at night and near dawn) made short work
of the carcass of a
road-killed deer placed in the Sunday Creek valley
off the Visitor Centre
during the last few days of March Break.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: A male and female were seen near
the edge of the Sunday
Creek Bog south of the highway opposite Spruce
Bog Boardwalk on the 15th.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One was observed along
Spruce Bog Boardwalk
on the 19th.
Gray Jay: Continue to be seen along Opeongo
Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk
and along the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake
section of Mizzy Lake Trail.
Some females are incubating eggs now, and so
there is a reduction in the
number of individuals available to be seen.
Boreal Chickadee: One was noted along Opeongo
Road on the 15th.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Up to 30 were at the Visitor
Centre feeders this week.
Red Crossbill: Flyovers were noted at Beaver
Pond Trail on the 15th, and two
were seen at Brewer Lake on the 19th.
White-winged Crossbill: Two were along the
northern part of Opeongo Road
on the 14th; four were at Spruce Bog Boardwalk
on the 16th; and one was at
Brewer Lake on the 19th.
Pine Siskin: Four were reported along the
highway on the 15th.
American Goldfinch: One or two are regular at
the Visitor Centre feeders,
and small groups are being seen along Highway
60 and Opeongo Road.
Evening Grosbeak: Up to 43 were at the Visitor
Centre feeders this week,
especially in the morning.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Gull over Indian
River
Posted on March 19, 2014 at 07:21:08 PM by Doug Smith
There was a lone gull flying over the Indian
River in Port Carling yesterday. Too far away for an ID, but possibly a sign of
spring!
chipmunk
Posted on March 18, 2014 at 09:26:22 AM by John Challis
Our first chipmunk around the house made a bold
foray through the empty lot beside our house in Washago last Saturday morning.
It hasn't reappeared since, and given the cold I don't blame it. Maybe when the
thermometer creeps back above the freezing mark today?
Re(2): Washago
Centennial Park Dock
Posted on March 18, 2014 at 08:59:17 AM by janice house
Stephanie and the gentleman from King City with
the wonderful Kowa scope made it possible. No sign of the trumpeter swan with
the fishing line hanging from it's bill
Re(1): Washago
Centennial Park Dock
Posted on March 18, 2014 at 07:24:13 AM by Goodyear
Yeeaahh, Janice!! Fourth time is the charm!!
Washago Centennial
Park Dock
Posted on March 17, 2014 at 09:40:20 PM by janice house
At Centennial Park dock tonight, great blue
heron fly by, immature bald eagle, 2 red foxes out on the edge of the ice,
common, red breasted and hooded mergansers, male bufflehead, male wood duck and
finally barrow's goldeneye (7:15), 300+ common goldeneye, 50+ trumpeter swans,
2 mute swans, lots of mallards
Snow Buntings -
Bracebridge
Posted on March 17, 2014 at 08:48:17 AM by Goodyear
Late yesterday afternoon we saw 14 Snow
Buntings at the hospital helipad in Bracebridge.
Redhead
Posted on March 16, 2014 at 00:00:23 AM by SueReese
One male Redhead duck on the river for a short
while this morning with a handful of Common Goldeneyes. South of Little Falls
at Washago.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 13 March
Posted on March 14, 2014 at 09:57:54 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (March 13, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Migrants (Northern Saw-whet Owl, American Crow and
European Starling)
observed this week gave us hope that winter may
eventually subside.
The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant are
open daily from 9 am to
5 pm during March Break (March 8 to 16,
inclusive).
Information about Algonquin Park birding
workshops is presented below,
with permission of the Ontbirds coordinator.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: One was seen at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk on the 9th.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One was drumming at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on
the 9th and two were heard drumming in black
spruce along Opeongo Road
on the 10th.
Gray Jay: Being seen along Opeongo Road, at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along
the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake section of
Mizzy Lake Trail.
Boreal Chickadee: Three were observed at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk on the 9th,
and three were noted along Opeongo Road at the
open gate on the 10th.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Up to 30 were at the Visitor
Centre feeders this week.
Red Crossbill: A few were reported at various
locations this week, including
20 along the highway at km 30 on the 10th.
White-winged Crossbill: Nine were along Opeongo
Road on the 8th and 9th;
12 were over Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 8th;
and three were near Killarney
Lodge on Lake of Two Rivers on the 11th.
Pine Siskin: Three were along Opeongo Road on
the 8th, and two were reported
along the highway near Killarney Lodge on the
11th.
American Goldfinch: A few are regular at the
Visitor Centre feeders, and
small groups were frequently seen along Highway
60.
Evening Grosbeak: About 40 were at the Visitor
Centre feeders this week,
especially in the morning.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
The Friends of Algonquin Park are offering
birding workshops as part of
their Experience Algonquin Workshop Series:
The "Demystifying Algonquin Park Bird Song
Workshop² will be held on
May 31/June 1, 2014. Through indoor and field
excursions, discover the
techniques necessary to identify birds and
their songs, comparing similar
songsters, and learn how to use today¹s
advanced technology to assist in
making an identification. Pre-registration is
required.
For more information see:
http://tinyurl.com/apbirdsong
The "Identifying Confusing Fall Warblers
Workshop² will take place on
August 23/24, 2014. Algonquin Park¹s many
warbler species often appear very
similar and can overwhelm birders when found in
large multi-species flocks.
Participate in an indoor session to learn
techniques to separate confusing
fall warblers and then spend the remainder of
the workshop using your newly
acquired skills in Algonquin Park's best
birding areas to identify these
fall migrants. Pre-registration is required.
For more information see:
http://tinyurl.com/apfallwarblers
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Huntsville Nature
Club Meeting, March 25, 2014
Posted on March 12, 2014 at 05:33:13 PM by BevEaston
On Tuesday, March 25, the Huntsville Nature
Club will present a talk by Dan Strickland about his recent trip to Madagascar,
a naturalist’s paradise of endemic bird families, lemurs and chameleons. The
meeting is at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Hall on West Street at 7 pm.
Guests are always welcome. A $3 donation is appreciated.
For more information regarding the Huntsville
Nature Club, contact Ken Morrison (705) 789-1407.
Re(1): otter
shenanigans
Posted on March 13, 2014 at 03:16:03 PM by coreyhkh
possibly any of those but they are very playful
by nature so it could of just been having fun.
otter shenanigans
Posted on March 11, 2014 at 04:29:13 PM by John Challis
Yesterday morning I watched an otter engage in
some fascinating activity downstream from our place on the Green River,
Washago. It climbed up onto a dock -- or the metre-deep mound of snow on top of
the dock -- and then did a rapid series of handstands, hopping up and down on
its hind feet with its tail undulating in waves behind each hop.
It then climbed down from the dock, sniffed
around and did a few rolls in the snow, dipped into the water, rolled in the
snow again, and then climbed up on the dock and repeated its bum-bounce
routine.
Would it have been expressing musk? Purging a
bit of gas? I've never seen this sort of performance before.
Gull and Jays
feeding
Posted on March 11, 2014 at 03:02:13 PM by Debbie Adams
We just spotted our first Gull of the year
while we out walking on the lake. (Lake Muskoka)
It was swooping up and down along the shoreline
and then headed towards Port Carling.
Also, we noticed on the weekend Jays feeding
each other.
(Walker's Point)
Re(3): Brown
Creeper singing
Posted on March 16, 2014 at 09:02:00 PM by missyinmuskoka
I have been hearing and seeing one for the last
couple of weeks but finally got a photo of him or her... What a challenge! They
are quick! photo
Re(2): Brown
Creeper singing
Posted on March 14, 2014 at 02:02:29 PM by janice house
I heard one last night, it seemed to be
following us down the road unless there were several ( Doe Lake Rd/ Laycox Rd
Gravenhurst)
Re(1): Brown
Creeper singing
Posted on March 11, 2014 at 12:24:51 PM by catmaclean
I finally heard one this am along with Purple
Finches and Red Breasted Nuthatches (Huntsville)
Re(1): Brown Creeper
singing
Posted on March 11, 2014 at 07:28:24 AM by Wayne Bridge
There was one singing in the woods behind our
house yesterday morning [Kearney - half hour NE of Huntsville].
Brown Creeper
singing
Posted on March 10, 2014 at 05:19:23 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there was a Brown Creeper singing
along the trail between Henry Marsh and the Bracebridge Ponds, near the east
end. (First time we've heard its spring song this year.)
You can listen to a Brown Creeper at: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/brown_creeper/sounds.
The Macaulay Library is another great online source of bird
calls and songs.
Re(1): Trumpeter
Swan in Washago needs help
Posted on March 10, 2014 at 04:25:05 PM by janice house
Susan Best has answered my post on the Simcoe
Board, the Trumpeter Swan Restoration folks have been notified. She was there
twice today but did not see the swan, please post on the Simcoe Board if you
see the swan, thanks.
Trumpeter Swan in
Washago needs help
Posted on March 9, 2014 at 07:36:00 PM by janice house
I just back from my 3rd attempt to see the
Barrows Goldeneye. There is a swan with a big tangle of fishing line hanging
from its bill hanging about the dock at Centennial Park. A nice couple from
Barrie are feeding the swans corn, they had made several phone calls for help
but did not received a reply before they left for home. The swan seems able to
eat but keeps shaking its head trying to dislodge the fishing line. p.s. also
present was a male northern pintail, a red breasted merganser pair and several
hooded mergansers.
White-winged Scoter
-- Bala
Posted on March 9, 2014 at 01:23:15 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning we were in Bala, so checked out
the open water below the falls. There was a White-winged Scoter (most likely
same bird first reported by Rick Stronks Feb. 17) as well as several Common
Goldeneyes and a few Common Mergansers. The Scoter swam in very close to where
we were standing on the bridge...figures, no camera with us, but at least we
had great looks with our binoculars.
Glen Orchard - Port
Carling - Black-backed Woodpecker, Long-tailed Duck, R. B. Mergansers, Greater
Scaup?
Posted on March 9, 2014 at 09:13:07 AM by Goodyear
During yesterday's tracking outing in Glen Orchard
we saw recent activity of a Black-backed Woodpecker - a large pile of bark
chips below a hemlock with large bare patches about a metre long. After the
outing four of us stopped at Port Carling to check the river. At Steamship Bay
there was a male Red-breasted Merganser, along with several Common Goldeneye
and a few Common Mergansers. A lone Canada Goose was under the docks near the
LCBO and two dead birds were floating at the edge of the ice. One of the dead
birds was an adult male Red-breasted Merganser, the other was hard to make out,
but it looked like it might be a Red-necked Grebe. From Hanna Park we saw more
Common Goldeneyes and Common Mergansers, along with a female Long-tailed Duck,
two more Red-breasted Mergansers, and two scaup. The scaup were distant or in
bright sparkling water, but they looked to be Greater Scaup 80% of the time
(rounded head, bulging cheeks, bright white sides, large spatulate shaped bills
with large nail), but then fooled us the other 20% of the time and looked more like
Lesser Scaup - headscratchers! No sign of the Red-headed Woodpecker.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 6 March
Posted on March 7, 2014 at 04:17:35 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Mar. 6, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Good winter bird viewing opportunities continue
in Algonquin, and some
amelioration of temperatures is making birding
much more pleasant.
The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant will
be open daily from 9 am to
5 pm during March Break (March 8 to 16,
inclusive). This is a great time to
come and see the big flock of Evening Grosbeaks
at the feeders there, a rare
experience in southern Ontario since the 1980s.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: One was seen at the entrance to
Spruce Bog Boardwalk
on the 1st.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One was at campsite
#96 in Mew Lake
Campground on February 26.
Gray Jay: Being seen along Opeongo Road, at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
at Leaf Lake Ski Trail entrance.
Boreal Chickadee: Try the Wolf Howl Pond/West
Rose Lake area on Mizzy
Lake Trail and the black spruce section along
Opeongo Road (which is open
and plowed to the access point on Lake
Opeongo).
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Small numbers continue to be
regular at the Visitor Centre
feeders.
Red Crossbill: A few reported along Highway 60
and Opeongo Road.
White-winged Crossbill: Observed at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk and along
Opeongo Road.
American Goldfinch: A few are regular at the
Visitor Centre feeders, and
along Highway 60.
Evening Grosbeak: About 35 were at the Visitor
Centre feeders this week,
especially in the morning.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
DIRECTIONS:
Algonquin Provincial 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 Information Guide
(with a map of birding
locations mentioned here) at the East Gate or
the West Gate. Locations are
also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at
km 43 are open on weekends
from 9 am to 5 pm during winter, and daily
during March Break (March 8
to 16).
The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings
and information. It is usually
possible to access the building on weekdays in
winter from 9 am to
4 pm. Visitors are welcome to bring a packed
lunch and use the restaurant
seating area on weekdays. Hot and cold
beverages, and light snacks are
available to purchase then, as well as the use
of a microwave.
For more information see the Algonquin Park
events calendar at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/
bald eagle
Posted on March 5, 2014 at 10:19:01 PM by John Challis
Immature bald eagle seen this afternoon over the
Green River in Washago - once coasting over the open water at the bend by Green
River Drive near Cooper's Falls road and again in "downtown" Washago
over open water. Seen by Gayle during the day, not me.
CBC Radio - snowy
owls
Posted on March 5, 2014 at 02:34:08 PM by janice house
At lunch today there was a gentleman speaking
about the snowy owl irruption of 2014, the website is Project Snowstorm
Photos of the
Barrow's Goldeneye at Washago
Posted on March 5, 2014 at 10:04:01 AM by Al Sinclair
This link was posted on Ontbirds by Arni
Stinnissen of Orillia. You should not look for this bird until after 5pm as
they feed elsewhere during the day. It would be nice if we could find it somewhere
in Muskoka, maybe on the north side of the Severn river (I need this one for
Muskoka).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/astinnissen/
Purple Finches and
Bluejays
Posted on March 5, 2014 at 09:51:07 AM by dinnymccraney
Lots more colour at the feeders this morning
with the return of these birds. (Bracebridge) Perhaps spring really IS around
the corner??
Long-tailed Duck
etc
Posted on March 3, 2014 at 07:02:13 PM by CliffRummenie
Today 1:30 at Port Severn:
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 2
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) 6
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 6
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) 1 male non
breeding
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) 70
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus
merganser/serrator) 2
Re(5): Frozen Lake
Huron
Posted on March 6, 2014 at 08:05:23 AM by Al Sinclair
The link between zebra mussels and fish eaters
like mergansers is the Round Goby, an invasive species that eats mussels. This
link has been identified as the cause of recent botulism outbreaks in birds in
the great lakes.
Re(4): Frozen Lake
Huron
Posted on March 5, 2014 at 10:53:44 PM by John Challis
I seem to recall mention of scaups being heavy
consumers of zebra mussels in Lake Erie. Checking some of the literature, both
scaups and goldeneyes seem to be the ones that mainly take advantage of zebra
mussels on the Great Lakes (several research articles from the 1990s make
reference to them). I didn't find any reference to red-breasted mergansers but
this could be a new opportunist in the last decade. I found a video of a pair
of mallards picking zebra mussels off a dock post taken out of the water (at
least so claims the person who posted the video; it's hard to tell what they're
pulling off the wood but they're going to a lot of effort).
Re(3): Frozen Lake
Huron
Posted on March 3, 2014 at 05:31:57 PM by Al Sinclair
It seems to me that big water bird sightings
inland never happened back in the 70s and 80s when the lakes froze over every
year. So I'm thinking there must be more birds trying to winter on Lake Huron
and Georgian Bay now, maybe because of climate change or maybe the presence of
a new food source like zebra mussels or round gobies. An interesting thing for
me is that until spring 2013 I didn't even have Red-breasted Merganser on my
Muskoka list, now they're all over Muskoka. So I would say there must be a
population increase on the great lakes maybe caused by the presence of invasive
species like zebra mussels.
Re(2): Frozen Lake
Huron
Posted on March 3, 2014 at 04:54:54 PM by Peter Mills
Neat puzzle to figure out!
First of all, I see by scrolling back that
actually Al Sinclair beat me to the news more than a couple of weeks back.
Below are two more photos: one from February
8th, and the other from the 10th. photo1
photo2
The
clouds complicate the pictures a fair bit, but it looks like most of the final
sealing over happened around then, especially on the west shore of Lake Huron
proper.
So, did all these cottage country big-water
ducks fly from there to here? It is a good point to bring up that waterfowl
could already be moving northward, but I don't think that scoters and
red-breasted mergansers in particular ever associate with these small parcels
of open water. I don't think I've ever seen either of those species on small
inland rivers, even in migration. It seems like pretty good evidence to me that
this is due to the frozen lake, and maybe that because it is late winter their
body condition is poor and that's why they haven't flown to "greener pastures"
like Lake Ontario which is still very open. (Lake Erie looks mostly frozen now
too)
Re(1): Frozen Lake
Huron
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 09:51:05 PM by Barbara Taylor
What's the consensus thinking on these
"inland birds"?
Were they wintering on Lake Huron/Georgian Bay
and have been forced off the lake as it froze up? Or are they early migrants
which headed north, but unfortunately didn't find the usual open water when they
got here?
P.S. -
NOAA has a great website where you can monitor
the ice on the Great Lakes. If you go to the Lake Huron page you can see the
modeled ice concentration which gets updated every day. Also, you can see the
ice conditions for the past 60 days by clicking the Animation link underneath
the GLSEA Composite of all the Great Lakes (top left diagram). The Lake Huron page
Frozen Lake Huron
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 07:52:47 PM by Peter Mills
It seems like Lake Huron and Georgian Bay have
frozen over with all these reports of big-water ducks and such inland in
cottage country.
This photo was taken today: photo
Winter waterfowl,
Eagles, and a Robin
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 06:37:12 PM by Goodyear
We toured some of the open water areas today
looking for waterfowl. Some of the highlights were 1 Red-necked Grebe at Port
Carling, the continuing White-winged Scoter at Bala which was just below the
falls and gave great looks,and male and female Long-tailed Ducks and 8
Red-breasted Mergansers at Port Severn. At Port Severn we also had great looks
at a first year and an adult Bald Eagle as they lazily circled the locks area.
An American Robin drinking at a small hole in the ice at Bala was unexpected
but made for a welcome sign of spring.
Red-headed
Woodpecker still in Port Carling
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 06:12:45 PM by Rick Stronks
Kelly and I saw the Red-headed Woodpecker today
in Port Carling
Great Gray owl
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 10:03:19 AM by Stan fairchild
I saw a Great Gray owl at Burks Falls on hwy
520 just passed Pete's hill rd north side
Muskoka Field
Naturalists - next meeting March 6
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 09:43:49 AM by Barbara Taylor
MFN meeting Thursday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m., in
Gravenhurst
CANADA'S EVERGLADES with David
Featherstone
David is the manager of watershed monitoring
with Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. His program will bring the
amazing Minesing Swamp to life. The wetland is the largest and best example of
a fen bog in southern Ontario and one of the most diverse undisturbed wetland
tracts in Canada. It provides habitat for over 400 plant species (11
provincially rare) and 206 species of birds. There will be a canoe or car hike
arranged for a later date if enough interest is shown.
Meetings for February through June are held at
the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre (Grace and Speed) at Muskoka Wharf, 275
Steamship Bay Road in Gravenhurst.
All meetings commence at 7:30 p.m. unless
otherwise indicated. Visitors welcome to attend.
source: MFN website -
http://www.muskokafieldnaturalists.com
Another Merganser
rescue - photo
Posted on March 1, 2014 at 06:25:27 PM by Barbara Taylor
Lisa Prasuhn reports today "found a
beautiful red breasted merganser on a highway near Alliston - took him to rehab
facility in Pefferlaw. He was exhausted and probably starving. I found the bird
around 7:30 am intersection of industrial bypass and Church st."
Here is Lisa's photo: Red-breasted
Merganser rescued near Alliston
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 27 February
Posted on February 28, 2014 at 09:34:17 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Feb. 27, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Winter continues unabated in Algonquin, but a
few very early signs of spring
are being noted. Barred Owls and Northern
Saw-whet Owls are calling near the
Park, and likely within it as well although
unreported. Researchers have now
found eight Gray Jay nests under construction.
Tomorrow (Friday, February 28), you will be
able to watch live streaming
video of the Visitor Centre bird feeders via
the Algonquin Park Webcam at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/index.php
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: One was observed feeding in a
spruce at campsite #1 in
Mew Lake Campground on February 22. Although
infrequently seen in this
campground, Spruce Grouse inhabit nearby spruce
stands bordering the
Madawaska River.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Try the Wolf Howl
Pond/West Rose Lake area
on Mizzy Lake Trail.
Gray Jay: Seen regularly along Opeongo Road and
at Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
Boreal Chickadee: The Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose
Lake area on Mizzy Lake
Trail and the black spruce section along
Opeongo Road continue to produce
sightings.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Regular at the Visitor Centre
feeders, and elsewhere along
Highway 60 such as the entrance to Mew Lake
Campground where they are
frequently seen feeding on ash seeds.
Red Crossbill: A few are being seen and heard
at various locations along
Highway 60 and Opeongo Road.
White-winged Crossbill: Good locations to
observe this species include
Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road.
American Goldfinch: A few are regular at the
Visitor Centre feeders.
Evening Grosbeak: About 45 were at the Visitor
Centre feeders this week,
especially in the morning.
Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged
to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Cooper's Hawk
Posted on February 27, 2014 at 05:50:53 PM by Barbara Taylor
A Cooper's Hawk has been staking out the
neighbourhood, but until today I've only caught quick glimpses of the bird as
it swooped through our yard. This afternoon it almost got a Mourning Dove off
the feeder, but after a flurry of feathers, the hawk came up empty. It perched
just long enough for this quick shot. (Bracebridge) photo
yellow goldfinches
Posted on February 27, 2014 at 10:59:53 AM by
dinnymccraney
My goldfinches are turning yellow! Can spring
be far behind???
...and two on the
river at the Centre St. Bridge
Posted on February 26, 2014 at 03:43:53 PM by Goodyear
There are now four Red-breasted Mergansers in
the Huntsville downtown area. Two adult males on the river at the Main Street
Bridge, and an adult male and what appears to be a first winter male (with
black feathering coming in on the face) on the river at the Centre Street
Bridge.
Two Red-breasted
Mergansers - Huntsville - Main St. Bridge
Posted on February 26, 2014 at 11:05:45 AM by Goodyear
There are now two male Red-breasted Mergansers
on the river at the Main Street Bridge in Huntsville, along with 200+ Mallards,
and several Black Ducks.
Purple Finches
Posted on February 26, 2014 at 10:33:05 AM by Jim Griffin
Have the first purple finches at my feeders in Port
Sydney today, it has been a quiet winter for birds so this pair is an
improvement.
Red breasted
mergansers Parry Sound
Posted on February 26, 2014 at 09:13:42 AM by Stan Fairchild
Red-breasted mergansers ,along with common
Goldeneyes and greater scaup are now staying in the open fish cages on Parry
Island as it is the only open water around.
They Are finding lots of food as well as the
Eagles that have been there all winter.
Merganser rescued
near Barkway
Posted on February 25, 2014 at 01:58:32 PM by Al Sinclair
Monday afternoon Peggy Beatty on Ben Lk Rd
noticed a bird on the snow in the field near their house. It eventually walked
over to the house and spent the night beside the wall. They caught it this
morning put it in a box and gave me a call, described it as having orange legs
and a long bill. I suggested it was likely a merganser and they should take it
down to Washago where there is open water. They looked it up and agreed but
weren't sure if it was a common or red-breasted. They took it to Washago and it
swam away apparently unharmed. It must have been looking for open water and
flew until it was exhausted and had to land. They have to run across open water
to take off so it was stranded.
spruce grouse - Algonquin Park
Posted on February 24, 2014 at 04:42:02 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Keir
Weseloh on ONTBIRDS (Feb. 24, 2014) and is provided here with the kind
permission of the Ontario Field
Ornithologists.
A spruce grouse on camp site #1 at Mew Lake
camp grounds in Algonquin park.
At the back of the camp site, feeding on Spruce
tips.
Re(2): Kowa Spotting
Scope for Sale
Posted on February 27, 2014 at 03:54:24 PM by eleanor kee wellman
Scope sold!
Kowa Spotting Scope
for Sale
Posted on February 24, 2014 at 04:17:01 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
A friend who lives in Scarborough has a Kowa
T883 Spotting Scope for sale with a 20x 60 eyepiece and Manfrotto 128 RC tripod
for the low price of $1600. On sale new the price would be $3550. The price is
FOB Toronto (Scarborough) Contact me if you are interested.
I paid $1600 for mine used about 8 years ago
without the tripod!
The scope itself without eyepiece is $2099 from B & H.
Re(2): Barrow's
Goldeneye - Washago
Posted on March 3, 2014 at 04:22:06 PM by Barbara Taylor
That's too bad you missed it Terry. Karl Konze
reports it was seen yesterday (Sunday, March 2nd) at 5:35 p.m., so might be
worth another try.
see http://ontbirds.ca/pipermail/birdalert_ontbirds.ca/Week-of-Mon-20140303/035736.html
Re(1): Barrow's
Goldeneye - Washago
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 08:23:53 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam
I searched for the Barrow's Goldeneye on Friday
and Saturday 5pm to 6:15pm, but no luck.
Lots of Goldeneye's flew in each evening! A
juvenile Bald eagle flew right over the Washago dock on Friday about 5:15pm
checking out the ducks and trumpeter's. Counted 95 trumpeter swans on
Friday.... a record for me!
Good birding,
Terry
Re(1): Barrow's
Goldeneye - Washago
Posted on February 25, 2014 at 07:44:59 PM by Barbara Taylor
The Barrow's Goldeneye is still around. It was
seen today by Andrew Keaveney, again after 5 p.m. when the Goldeneyes start
streaming in from the north.
Here's a link to his report on Ontbirds: http://ontbirds.ca/pipermail/birdalert_ontbirds.ca/Week-of-Mon-20140224/035702.html
And this link takes you to his complete
checklist on eBirds: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17204188
Re(2): Hooded
Merganser
Posted on February 24, 2014 at 02:09:17 PM by Barbara Taylor
John, there was a male Hooded Merganser at
Washago first reported by Dave Hawke Feb. 9. And we reported one Feb. 16 near
the Quetton St. docks, but it was at the opposite side of the road. So perhaps
it has been hanging around and is the same bird David and Regan found
yesterday...it's probably been playing hide-and-seek with you. ;)
The only other recent reports I've noted is one
at the side of Hwy. 60 in Algonquin Park on Feb. 11, but it had disappeared by
the time staff rescuers arrived. And eBird shows a sighting of a pair in
Haliburton by the rapids Feb. 14 - photo.
Re(1): Barrow's
Goldeneye - Washago
Posted on February 24, 2014 at 11:55:04 AM by John Challis
And here we've been watching the goldeneyes for
weeks, occasionally speculating on the unlikelihood of a Barrow's being in
theird midst. Good eye, David.
Further down river, where we live, there have
been upwards of 70 goldeneyes rafting together during the day and chattering
with their weird little calls. Likely the source of the fly-ins at the
lake-edge at the town park later in the day.
The hoodie must be the first in the area; I've
been keeping my eyes peeled for them but haven't seen any yet.
Re(2): Barrow's
Goldeneye - Washago
Posted on February 24, 2014 at 07:11:49 AM by Goodyear
Unfortunately, Washago is in Simcoe County.
Interestingly,most of the Goldeneyes were flying in to the lake for the
evening, coming somewhere from the north/northeast!! We had been watching the
swans for a while and were going to head home when small flocks of Goldeneye
started arriving. A flock of about 20 birds put down and the Barrow's was in
that flock. Perhaps they were coming from Cooper's Falls or the Kahshe narrows?
Re(1): Barrow's
Goldeneye - Washago
Posted on February 23, 2014 at 08:50:43 PM by Doug Smith
Congrats David! A nice find. Does this count
for Muskoka, being in Washago?
Re(2): Barrow's
Goldeneye - Washago
Posted on February 23, 2014 at 09:02:17 PM by Doug Smith
The website below has some great photos showing
the 2 species together, allowing for close comparison's, as described perfectly
by David. Maybe there are more around right now!?
http://ksbirds.org/gallery/BAGO_SG_2005.htm
Barrow's Goldeneye
- Washago
Posted on February 23, 2014 at 07:17:01 PM by Goodyear
On our way home from Guelph late this
afternoon, we decided to stop at Washago to check out the swans and see what
else might be around. We stopped near the bridge and dock on Quetton Street at
Washago Centennial Park just after 5:00. Mixed in with a flock of Common
Goldeneye was a male Barrow's Goldeneye. It was out on the open water of the
lake and viewed through a scope. It had dark upperparts, which totally
surrounded small spots of white on the shoulder area, a small dark spur at the
front edge of the sides, and another line of white behind the white spots; a
steep forehead, with a crescent of white on the face, a noticeably shorter,
stubbier looking bill; the different head shape was quite evident when compared
to the Common Goldeneyes beside it; it also had a larger, wider
looking,helmet-shaped nape; from the rear the darker sides were quite evident
and were what initially drew our attention to the bird. Unfortunately, when we
spotted it, it was heading out towards the lake with most of the other
Goldeneyes.
In addition to the many Common Goldeneyes,
there were several Common Mergansers along with one male Red-breasted
Merganser, a male Hooded Merganser, a male Northern Pintail, approx. 25
Trumpeter Swans, 2 Mute Swans, lots of Mallards close to the dock area along
with a few Black Ducks. Many ducks were flying in from the north/northeast as
evening fell. Where do they spend the day???
Bohemians
Posted on February 23, 2014 at 11:45:13 AM by DBurton
About 20 Bohemian Waxwings today at Lake
Bernard Drive and Main Street in Sundridge.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 20 February
Posted on February 20, 2014 at 09:56:36 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Feb. 20, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Despite this winter's very cold temperatures
and deep snow here, remnants
of earlier groups of Wild Turkeys still
persisted this week: Mew Lake
Campground (1), Trailer Sanitation Station (2)
and Visitor Centre (1).
The first Gray Jay nest under construction was
found on the 18th. The nest
of this same banded pair was the first one
discovered last year as well, but
on February 24, nearly a week later. Spring has
sprung!
The frequency of calling by Boreal Chickadees
increases from late February
through March and reaches a peak just before
winter flock breakup. More
calling makes it easier to locate them in the
dense spruce foliage they
frequent. Observations this week suggest that
increased calling may be
starting to occur.
Numbers of both crossbill species continue to
be low, but reports are
increasing as the weather improves and more
birders are out looking.
The first Pine Siskin reports since early
December occurred this week.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: One was displaying along Spruce
Bog Boardwalk on the
16th.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One was seen between
Wolf Howl Pond and
March Hare Lake on the Mizzy Lake Trail on the
15th. Another was
drumming and calling at km 7 on Highway 60 on
the 16th.
Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk, near
the East Gate, and in Mew Lake Campground.
Boreal Chickadee: On the 15th, eight were
reported near West Rose Lake
on Mizzy Lake Trail; two were visiting the suet
feeder opposite the register
box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk; and one was along
Opeongo Road. Three
were seen on Bat Lake Trail on the 17th.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Up to 45 were at the Visitor
Centre feeders, and small flocks
were observed along Highway 60.
Red Crossbill: Groups of two to seven were
observed on Bat Lake Trail, on
Spruce Bog Boardwalk, along Highway 60, and at
the East Gate this week.
White-winged Crossbill: Locations with small
flocks included along
Highway 60, Mizzy Lake Trail, Bat Lake Trail,
Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
Opeongo Road.
Pine Siskin: There were three on the Barron
Canyon Trail (east side of
Algonquin Park) on the 15th; three along
Opeongo Road on the 16th; and
three on Bat Lake Trail on the 17th.
American Goldfinch: Small flocks are present
along Highway 60 getting
grit. There were 93 counted along the road on
the 15th.
Evening Grosbeak: Up to 60 were at the Visitor
Centre feeders this week,
especially in the morning.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
DIRECTIONS:
Algonquin Provincial 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 Information Guide
(with a map of birding
locations mentioned here) at the East Gate or
the West Gate. Locations are
also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
The Visitor Centre and restaurant at km 43 are
open on weekends from
9 am to 5 pm during winter.
The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings
and information. It is usually
possible to access the building on weekdays in
winter from 9 am to
4 pm. Visitors are welcome to bring a packed
lunch and use the restaurant
seating area on weekdays. Hot and cold
beverages, and light snacks are
available to purchase then, as well as the use
of a microwave.
For more information see the Algonquin Park events
calendar at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field
Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization.
Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca
For information about ONTBIRDS including how to
unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
Saw Whet owls
calling
Posted on February 20, 2014 at 08:34:10 AM by AndrewWagnerChazalon
Heard two owls calling on Feb 19 around 11
p.m., on Cedar Lane near Kirk Line. One was fairly close -- heard it calling
repeatedly at various speeds and moving south, toward the river. The other was
off in the distance, likely south of the river. Yay spring!
Barred Owl calling
Posted on February 19, 2014 at 09:16:12 PM by Al Sinclair
Heard the first Barred Owl this year tonight
just after 6pm. Called 4 times in 10 minutes. Sign of spring! 8km east of
Bracebridge.
Re(2): Raccoon
Posted on February 20, 2014 at 05:08:42 PM by Barb Staples
Every few years here, a black squirrel will get
at the pure beef fat for a day then disappear, doesn't make a habit of it. I
never knew it was not normal! On the other hand, red squirrels enjoy it daily
as much as the birds do. They partake of the maple sap collecting every spring
also. Sunny Lake, Gravenhurst.
Re(1): Racoon
Posted on February 20, 2014 at 02:03:32 PM by Barbara Taylor
Our suet has been disappearing too, but in our
case it is a different thief...a Gray Squirrel! We've had the occasional Red
Squirrel gnawing at the suet, but have never seen nor heard tell of a Gray
Squirrel with a fondness for suet. This isn't the processed suet with nuts and
seeds in it, just a plain hunk of raw beef fat. The particular Gray Squirrel is
quite brown in colour -- so far all the other colour morph squirrels show no
interest in the suet as usual. (Bracebridge)
Racoon
Posted on February 19, 2014 at 09:04:17 PM by Barb Staples
At this moment a burly raccoon is gobbling up
the suet, has been here quite a while in spite of dog barking furiously from
indoors. Sunny Lake, Gravenhurst.
Port Severn,
Sightings
Posted on February 19, 2014 at 07:16:29 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
No ducks found at Big Chute but some at Port
Severn. About 20 Common Goldeneye, at least 1 male and 2 female Red-breasted
Mergansers, 3 Long-tailed Ducks.
New visitors
Posted on February 19, 2014 at 11:13:00 AM by JLS
Since Monday, 17th, we've been seeing an
opossum eating seeds on the ground under our bird feeders. Seems to get along
with the red squirrels feeding near by. Today, we also had a red fox visit the
same area. It'll soon be time to take down the feeders in order not to
encourage the bears. Last year, we were too late & new feeders were
required this season! (Washago)
Mergansers in Port
Carling
Posted on February 18, 2014 at 08:08:53 PM by Doug Smith
Saw the pair of red-breasted mergansers in Port
today, near the liquor store. Down at Hanna Park there was one male common
merganser, along with 30+ goldeneye.
goldfinches and
wild turkeys
Posted on February 18, 2014 at 02:09:49 PM by dinnymccraney
I knew it must be snowing out when I woke to
see the goldfinches back at the feeders after an absence of a week.
Then as I was enjoying the view from the front
window, 9 wild turkeys came running in single file down the middle of the road!
When they saw 2 golden retrievers being walked ahead of them, they abruptly
turned left and disappeared behind a house.(South Muskoka Drive)
Re(1): Red-headed
Woodpecker Port Carling seen again today
Posted on February 18, 2014 at 04:34:32 PM by janice
house
I was there yesterday around noon, no sign of
the woodpecker at the home or at the park. I did hear some tapping but could
not locate the bird.
Red-headed
Woodpecker Port Carling seen again today
Posted on February 18, 2014 at 01:56:00 PM by Al Sinclair
The Red-headed Woodpecker was back again at 8
Harris St in Port Carling. I was just talking to Morley Stephen and he saw it
at the feeder at 1:10.
Re(1): bird houses
Posted on February 20, 2014 at 04:42:15 PM by Barbara Taylor
Several cavity nesting birds in our area will
use birdhouses - these include both Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches,
Black-capped Chickadee, Great Crested Flycatcher, House Wren, Tree Swallow, and
Eastern Bluebird. If you're by a pond where you've seen Wood Ducks, you could
try a birdhouse for them too. Barred Owls will also use a nestbox, but the size
of the box and getting it attached high enough onto a tree makes the project
rather difficult.
Here are a few references which should assist
you:
Hinterland Who's Who:
http://www.hww.ca/en/issues-and-topics/nest-boxes-for-birds.html
Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Nestwatch:
http://nestwatch.org/learn/nest-box-resource-center/nest-box-construction-plans/
Stokes Backyard Bird Book has an easy birdhouse
plan - go to p.125 and scroll through the pages at Google books
Stokes Complete Birdhouse Book has recommended
dimensions for various species - scroll up a few pages to view the charts at Google books
Michigan Bluebird Society - Nestbox
basics
North American Bluebird Society - Nestbox plans
Nestbox Builder: http://nestboxbuilder.com
bird houses
Posted on February 18, 2014 at 12:08:47 PM by fred
I would like to build several bird houses for
birds in the Muskoka area.
Could you please suggest what birds are in need
of accommodations?
Also, if you would be able to forward any
specifications that would be suitable for their habitat.
Many thanks, Fred
Re(1): Muskoka open
water tour
Posted on February 19, 2014 at 08:48:39 PM by Goodyear
We made a quick visit to Bala after work today
and saw the White-winged Scoter. Didn't see the Grebe, but yet another
Red-breasted Merganser (male) was below the falls, part way down the river.
Both birds were viewed with a scope from the park beside the falls and from the
public boat launch off of River Street.
Muskoka open water
tour
Posted on February 17, 2014 at 08:50:22 PM by Rick Stronks
Kelly and I decided to visit several spots in
Muskoka with open water. Here are the highlights:
Baysville: 1 Common Merganser and 5 Goldeneyes;
Port Carling: 35 Goldeneyes, 1 Canada Goose and
2 Red-breasted Mergansers;
Bala: 25 Goldeneyes, 1 Red-necked Grebe and 1
White-winged Scoter (pictures on
eBirds);
Kashe River: 2 Red-breasted Mergansers and 3
Goldeneyes.
Also saw the 50 Trumpeter Swans in Washago.
White-winged Scoter
& Red-necked Grebe on the move
Posted on February 17, 2014 at 03:47:00 PM by Al Sinclair
Reported on eBird - many more sightings inland
of these species this year due to higher than normal ice cover on the great
lakes. Also click on the Bird Cast link in the story for more analysis.
White-winged
Scoter & Red-necked Grebe on the move
Feb. 25 Huntsville
Nature Club Meeting
Posted on February 17, 2014 at 11:02:53 AM by BevEaston
On Tuesday, February 25, the Huntsville Nature
Club will present an illustrated talk entitled "The Great Lakes Marsh
Monitoring Program: 18 years of surveying birds and frogs as indicators of
ecosystem health" by Dr. Doug Tozer, Bird Studies Canada's Ontario Program
Scientist. The meeting is at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Hall on West
Street, Huntsville, at 7 pm. Guests are always welcome. A $3 donation is
appreciated.
Hooded Merganser,
Bald Eagle - Washago
Posted on February 16, 2014 at 03:33:41 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon we drove down to Washago to
check on the Trumpeter Swans. We counted 24 of them, several very close to the
docks, along with many Mallards. They are fed corn there on a regular basis, so
are quite "tame". While we were watching the swans, a Bald Eagle came
in low, and circled around for a while, possibly checking out the ducks. There
was a male Hooded Merganser swimming under the railway bridge on the opposite
side of the street.
Once again, the windchill off the open water
was brutal!
directions: see Google Map - Washago (Quetton St. docks)
(note: you can park at the construction site by
the docks if they aren't working...like today. Otherwise you can park at
Washago Centennial Park and walk over to the open water.)
Photos confirm Big
Chute sightings
Posted on February 15, 2014 at 09:57:19 PM by Al Sinclair
Photos by Stephanie Casutt
White-winged Scoter - Big Chute - Feb. 13, 2014 photo
Red-necked Grebe - Big Chute - Feb 13, 2014 photo
Long-tailed duck - Pretty Channel Dam - Feb 5,6 2014 photo
Big Chute and Port
Severn
Posted on February 15, 2014 at 06:21:05 PM by Goodyear
Earlier today we decided to take the long way
down to the city and stopped at Big Chute and Port Severn to see if we could
find some of the good ducks that had been reported earlier in the week on
ebird. At Big Chute we found the Red-necked Grebe at the top of the locks in a
small open lead of water, along with some Common Mergansers and Common
Goldeneye. At the bottom of the locks we saw a male Red-breasted Merganser, and
two Ravens were feasting on what appeared to be a White-winged Scoter - white
in the wing, yellowish legs - far away even with scope view. At Port Severn we
found 4 more Red-breasted Mergansers (3 male, 1 female), another Red-necked
Grebe, and the male Long-tailed Duck that was reported earlier was still
present. There were over 100 Common Goldeneye, 16 Common Mergansers, 12
Trumpeter Swans, and 2 Canada Geese also enjoying the beautiful sunshine.
Re(1): GBBC -
Ontario reports
Posted on February 17, 2014 at 07:45:00 PM by Barbara Taylor
If you want to check what's been reported so
far during the Great Backyard Bird Count, you can click on your County in the
Ontario|eBird listings:
http://ebird.org/ebird/gbbc/subnational1/CA-ON/regions
As I post this, Muskoka is at #37 in the list.
The list is sorted by number of species reported - no way to sort the counties
alphabetically...I've asked the eBird folks if this option could be added in
the future.
note: a species that is rare or unusual at this
time of year may not appear in the list of reports until it has been reviewed
and approved.
Backyard Bird Count
Posted on February 15, 2014 at 03:30:31 PM by Barbara Taylor
We've had a Cooper's Hawk patrolling the
neighbourhood the past few days, so not much action around the feeders.
Here is our meagre backyard count for today -
Feb. 15, Bracebridge:
Downy Woodpecker - 2 (1M, 1F)
Hairy Woodpecker - 2 (1M, 1F)
Blue Jay - 1
Black-capped Chickadee - 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 2
Mourning Dove - 2
Brown Creeper - 1
Swans
Posted on February 15, 2014 at 09:39:06 AM by JLS
At the Washago wharf, on Feb. 14th, I counted
in excess of 50 trumpeter swans and equally as many mallard ducks. At one point
this winter, more than 100 swans had been counted. They are very noisy at
night!
Re(2): Now three at
Port Carling
Posted on February 15, 2014 at 03:49:26 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Quite a change from Wednesday. There were about
15 Common Goldeneye in the open water by Hanna Park and no other species seen
in an hour of watching.
Re(1): Now three at
Port Carling
Posted on February 15, 2014 at 01:52:36 PM by Barbara Taylor
At noon today in Port Carling we found three
Red-breasted Mergansers (2M,1F) as well as several Common Mergansers, and about
30 Common Goldeneyes. The Red-breasted Mergansers were closer to the bridge
(best seen from LCBO), while most of the others were closer to the boat ramp at
the foot of Bailey St. by Hanna Park. While we were parked by the boat ramp, a
Wild Turkey wandered down to the water's edge on the opposite side of the
river. We thought it might try to get a drink, but instead it surprised us by
flying across the river to our side...must be a feeder nearby. We did a quick
check along Harris St. for the Red-headed Woodpecker, but didn't see it.
Dress warmly if you go - the windchill coming
off the open water was brutal!
directions: see Google map - Port Carling
Two more!!
Posted on February 14, 2014 at 07:19:42 PM by Goodyear
After work tonight, Regan and I tried for the
Red-headed Woodpecker in Port (no luck), but we did find two male Red-breasted
Mergansers. One was seen from Hanna Park and the other was seen near the bridge
downtown. Lots of Common Mergansers, Goldeneyes, and a single Canada Goose.
Red-breasted
Merganser
Posted on February 14, 2014 at 01:37:21 PM by Goodyear
What I assume to be the same male Red-breasted
Merganser that first showed up a couple of weekends ago, is back on the river
at the Centre Street bridge area in Huntsville.
Re(1): Red-headed
Woodpecker - Photo
Posted on February 14, 2014 at 09:34:41 PM by Al Sinclair
Photo by Morley Stephen. photo
Re(1): Red-headed
Woodpecker
Posted on February 14, 2014 at 02:25:21 PM by Doug Smith
Just had a quick look at this woodpecker at
Morley's as it flew off. It has been favouring a large black walnut tree beside
Morley's property. He thinks there could be 2 around, because he saw one when
he was snowshoeing yesterday as it flew over to Hanna park, and then saw another
nearby, up in a tree.
Red-headed
Woodpecker
Posted on February 13, 2014 at 10:23:32 PM by Goodyear
Morley Stephens of Port Carling has a
Red-headed Woodpecker coming to the spruce tree in front of his store/home in
Port Carling and also visiting his feeder. He has also seen it head over
towards the Hanna Park area. Confirmed by photo. It has been around since
Monday.
Re(1): Georgian Bay
frozen over forcing birds inland
Posted on February 14, 2014 at 12:50:09 PM by Doug Smith
I was just walking over the bridge in Port
Carling and noticed two large dark ducks in Steamboat Bay. I had no binoculars
with me, but suspect they could be scoters. The water on the Muskoka side of
the locks on the Indian River is open, so may attract some of these birds. I'll
be sure to have binoculars next time!
Georgian Bay frozen
over forcing birds inland
Posted on February 13, 2014 at 10:03:22 PM by Al Sinclair
Georgian bay is now completely frozen over
forcing horned grebes, red-necked grebes, long-tailed ducks, red-breasted
mergansers, and scoters wintering there to fly inland looking for open water. They
are being found below waterfalls across central Ontario. In the first three
days of this week, the Toronto Wildlife Centre has admitted 11 red-necked
grebes.
Reported recently in Muskoka
Red-necked Grebe, White-winged Scoter at Big
Chute
Long-tailed Duck at Port Severn
Red-breasted Merganser at Huntsville
Story in the Star at the link below
Birds
struggle to survive in harsh winter
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 13 February
Posted on February 13, 2014 at 09:44:37 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Feb. 13, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
A male Hooded Merganser was found on the side
of Highway 60 near West
Smith Lake in late morning on February 11, but
had disappeared soon after
when Visitor Centre staff arrived to rescue it.
The wet pavement from
melting snow was probably mistaken for open
water by the bird.
An adult male Northern Goshawk was mobbed by
about 20 Blue Jays when it
hopped on the ground and then flew to a low
branch near the Visitor Centre
feeders on February 7. It was likely hunting
the Ruffed Grouse or red
squirrels that regularly frequent the area.
Among many events at the third annual Winter in
the Wild Festival in
Algonquin Park this weekend will be guided bird
walks at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk, from 10 to 11.30 am and from 2.30 to
4 pm on Saturday,
February 15. Details on all the festival
activities are at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/winter_in_the_wild.php
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
Opeongo Road (accessible by
vehicle only to the locked gate).
Black-backed Woodpecker: One was observed near
West Rose Lake on Mizzy
Lake Trail on February 11.
Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk, near the
East Gate, and in Mew Lake Campground.
Boreal Chickadee: Single birds were observed
near West Rose Lake on Mizzy
Lake Trail on February 8 and 11, and along
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on
February 8.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Up to 12 are coming to the
Visitor Centre feeders,
and a few were occasionally observed along
Highway 60.
Red Crossbill: Three were noted at Brewer Lake
on February 8.
White-winged Crossbill: Four were at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk and one was
along Fen Lake Ski Trail, on February 8.
American Goldfinch: Occasional at the Visitor
Centre, and a few
were seen along Highway 60.
Evening Grosbeak: As many as 55 were at the
Visitor Centre feeders
this week, especially in the morning.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Great Backyard Bird
Count -- Feb. 14 - 17
Posted on February 13, 2014 at 03:34:51 PM by Barbara Taylor
This year's Great Backyard Bird Count begins
tomorrow. You can find more information about how to participate at the GBBC website.
As usual, we will have our own informal count
for Muskoka and surrounding areas.
Just post your species list here on the Bird
Board for any of the four days Feb. 14-17
Re(1): Bird Count
Posted on February 13, 2014 at 03:25:04 PM by Barbara Taylor
You can enter your sightings by clicking
"Submit Observations" in the menu at the top of the GBBC webpage once the
count period starts Feb. 14-17, 2014. Or you can use a mobile device to submit
your sightings - "during the count, a free GBBC BirdLog app
is available for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS7 or later as well as
Android".
Here is an excerpt from the Great Backyard Bird
Count webpage:
"If you have never participated in the
Great Backyard Bird Count or any other Cornell Lab citizen-science project,
you’ll need to create a new account. If you already created an account for last
year’s GBBC, or if you’re already registered with eBird or another Cornell Lab
citizen-science project, you can use your existing login information."
Bird Count
Posted on February 13, 2014 at 09:25:44 AM by JLS
Does anyone know where to send the sighting
results of the Backyard Bird Count that takes place this w/e? Also has anyone
spotted an Arctic Owl recently?
Thanks.
Judy
Chipmunk
Posted on February 12, 2014 at 12:55:43 PM by Doug Smith
A chipmunk was looking out from his home under
the snow in our backwoods this morning. I'm sure it was wondering about the
amount of snow! Probably will go back to bed for at least at few more weeks.
Re(2): Purple
Finches
Posted on February 13, 2014 at 05:10:15 PM by Barbara Taylor
excerpt from Hinterland
- Who's Who:
"During the daytime, the snowshoe hare rests
quietly in sheltered spots called “forms,” under a bush, stump, or log. It
dozes fitfully and grooms itself by licking its fur, but it is always
alert."
I don't recall ever seeing a Snowshoe Hare in
the winter. Unless it was moving it would probably blend in too well with the
white snow. We did see one during the day in our garden one spring, but it had
already changed back to mostly brown fur except for its white feet. And last
summer we saw one during the day...but it was being carried by a fox trotting
through the yard heading towards its den.
Re(1): Purple
Finches
Posted on February 11, 2014 at 09:31:05 PM by coreyhkh
Where do the hares go during the day I see
tracks all around my Dads place in Gravenhurst but I have never seen one.
Purple Finches
Posted on February 11, 2014 at 09:20:19 PM by Barbara Taylor
Today there were two small flocks of Purple
Finches along the trail east of Henry Marsh. Some were foraging high up in
Balsam Firs and a few seemed to be feeding on the seed pods still hanging in an
Ash tree. There were also at least 40 Black-capped Chickadees, a couple Blue
Jays, 6 Red-breasted Nuthatches and 4 White-breasted Nuthatch. Looks like
there's been a population explosion in Snowshoe Hares with tracks
criss-crossing the trail in many places. (Bracebridge)
Directions to Bracebridge Ponds/Henry Marsh:
see my Area trails map (click on trail sections and markers for
info/photos; click Map or Satellite button at upper right to switch views)
Re(1): Archived
Reports now back online
Posted on February 11, 2014 at 07:22:40 PM by Barbara Taylor
The Bird Board Archives are back. Thanks again
to the Muskoka Field Naturalists (MFN) for providing online storage space so
the Archived Reports can be accessed by everyone.
Check out the new MFN website at www.muskokafieldnaturalists.com
David Goodyear has redesigned and updated the site
to include a lot more information and many photos. Some parts are a work in
progress, but there are already descriptions of several places to explore in Go
Wild - Hotspots. Still to come will be local Bird and Butterfly Checklists and
other goodies...stay tuned.
Bird Board archives
currently offline
Posted on February 10, 2014 at 05:14:38 PM by Barbara Taylor
The Bird Board Archived Reports are not
available at this time. Apparently this is due to recent updates of the Muskoka
Field Naturalists website where the Archive files are stored. Hopefully they
will be accessible shortly.
Starlings
Posted on February 10, 2014 at 02:55:34 PM by Debbie
Adams
I never thought I'd get excited about seeing starlings,
but in the sea of blue (40+ Blue Jays) 2 starlings showed up. We rarely see
them here and when we do, it's in the spring.
(Walker's Point)
Re(1): northern
shrike
Posted on February 7, 2014 at 05:39:28 PM by J. Gardner
Not one shrike this year. Not one hawk, Sharpie
or otherwise. A very strange year round our feeders. J. Gardner
northern shrike
Posted on February 7, 2014 at 02:31:58 PM by Wayne Bridge
Had a northern shrike stake out my feeder area
over the lunch hour today [Kearney - 30 mins N-E of Huntsville]. No success;
birds seemed to know it was there.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 6 February
Posted on February 6, 2014 at 10:05:57 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Feb. 6, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
The seven Wild Turkeys regularly frequenting the
Visitor Centre feeders
earlier in the winter have diminished to one
now. The reduction may be due
to dispersal, predation and/or starvation. A
few are still being seen along
the highway also, far from feeders. The deep
snow and cold temperatures this
year have likely been hard on this species
here. By 2002, turkeys had spread
into Algonquin from nearby populations derived
from re-introduced birds. The
original southern Ontario range of the Wild
Turkey did not extend northward
to Algonquin Park.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
Opeongo Road (accessible by
vehicle only to the locked gate).
Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk, near the
East Gate, and in Mew Lake Campground.
Boreal Chickadee: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
Opeongo Road. One was
noted at Spruce Bog on February 1.
Black-backed Woodpecker: On January 31, one was
observed on a dead conifer
near the Beaver Ponds area close to Heron Lake
on the Ridge section of Fen
Lake Ski Trail, and another was seen on a dead
hemlock near Dizzy Lake on
the Mizzy Lake Trail.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Up to 20 are coming to the
Visitor Centre feeders,
and small flocks were occasionally observed
along Highway 60.
White-winged Crossbill: Four flew over the
Visitor Centre on February 2.
American Goldfinch: One is regular at the
Visitor Centre, and a few
were seen along Highway 60.
Evening Grosbeak: About 35 were regular at the
Visitor Centre feeders
this week, especially in the morning.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
DIRECTIONS:
Algonquin Provincial 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 Information Guide
(with a map of birding locations
mentioned here) at the East Gate or the West
Gate. Locations are also
described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
The Visitor Centre and restaurant at km 43 are
open on weekends from 9 am
to 5 pm during winter.
The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings
and information. It is usually
possible to access the building on weekdays in
winter from 9 am to
4 pm. Visitors are welcome to bring a packed
lunch and use the restaurant
seating area on weekdays. Hot and cold
beverages, and light snacks are
available to purchase then, as well as the use
of a microwave.
For more information see the Algonquin Park
events calendar at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/
______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field
Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization.
Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca
For information about ONTBIRDS including how to
unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
Muskoka Field
Naturalists - next meeting Feb. 6
Posted on February 3, 2014 at 03:35:13 PM by Barbara Taylor
MFN meeting Thursday, February 6, at 7:30 p.m.,
in Gravenhurst
DESPERATELY SEEKING SPRING by David
Hawke
David Hawke is a well known nature writer,
photographer and speaker, who has worked on various projects in Simcoe County and
Muskoka. He will present a narrated show (a touch humorous) of his photography
focusing on early signs of spring. Copies of his book “Wetlands” will be
available for sale at the meeting for $15 as will his reference book on the
blooming dates of wildflowers, $5.
Meetings for February through June are held at
the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre (Grace and Speed) at Muskoka Wharf, 275
Steamship Bay Road in Gravenhurst.
All meetings commence at 7:30 p.m. unless
otherwise indicated. Visitors welcome to attend.
source: MFN website -
http://www.muskokafieldnaturalists.com
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Posted on February 3, 2014 at 02:14:33 PM by Debbie
Adams
Two days ago, I found remnants of a Blue Jay
near one of our feeders. Yesterday I noticed blood droplets on the ground by
another feeder. Just now, I spotted a Sharp-shinned Hawk that I flushed from a
tree when I went outdoors. It must be the one dining on our guests.
(Walker's Point)
Re(1): Red-breasted
Merganser - Huntsville - off Centre St. Bridge
Posted on February 4, 2014 at 06:32:50 PM by CortneyLC
When I spotted the redhead it was the merganser
that initially caught my eye.
He was still there at noon today (Feb 4) best
visible from the KWH pipe plant parking lot swimming where the ice met open
water before the bridge.
Re(1): Red-breasted
Merganser - photo
Posted on February 3, 2014 at 06:19:14 PM by Goodyear
Here is a photo of the Red-breasted Merganser
from this morning. It was still there this afternoon at 4:30. photo
Red-breasted
Merganser - Huntsville - off Centre St. Bridge
Posted on February 3, 2014 at 01:45:54 PM by Goodyear
I went over to look for the Redhead that was
reported on the weekend. I didn't find it, but I did find a male Red-breasted
Merganser. Red breast, white collar, shaggy crest, thin slightly upturned bill,
red eye clearly visible. A good spot to look for it is from the parking lot for
the Hunter's Bay Trail, next to KWH Pipe plant. I will post photos when I get
home.
Redhead -
Huntsville
Posted on February 2, 2014 at 10:31:15 AM by DavidL
A male Redhead was seen off the Centre St
bridge this morning. The bird was seen on the east side of the bridge, towards
the South shore. Several low quality photos taken.
Re(1): Spring songs
Posted on February 13, 2014 at 10:06:10 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning we walked the snowshoe trail north
of Meadow Heights Dr. by Beaver Creek in Bracebridge. For the first time this
year we heard some Purple Finches singing their spring song. There were also
several Chickadees singing and Woodpeckers drumming.
Spring songs
Posted on January 31, 2014 at 04:32:09 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon along the trail east of Henry
Marsh (Bracebridge) there were two Chickadees singing their spring song as if
they were dueling for territory already. Then a Red-breasted Nuthatch began
singing its spring song.
I kind of felt like singing too since the
milder weather is such a nice change!
What a winter this has been so far...
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 30 January
Posted on January 30, 2014 at 10:18:21 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Jan. 30, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Two or three Ruffed Grouse continue to provide
great photographic and
viewing opportunities daily as they eat seed
below the feeders at the
Visitor Centre.
A Bald Eagle calling in flight alerted birders
to its presence over Spruce
Bog Boardwalk on January 27. A few Bald Eagles
and Golden Eagles
regularly spend the winter in Algonquin Park,
but they are observed
infrequently. These eagles feed mainly on wolf
kills here.
A Boreal Owl was found dead on the front porch
of a home near Oxtongue
Lake (Highway 60 west of Algonquin Park) on
January 13, likely a window
kill. The specimen will be preserved. I mention
it here since this species
has been extremely rare in southern Ontario
this winter.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
Opeongo Road.
Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk, near the
East Gate, and in Mew Lake Campground.
Boreal Chickadee: On January 27, one along
Opeongo Road and two at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk were first detected by their
calls and were with Black-capped
Chickadees.
Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Three to eight are still coming
to the Visitor Centre feeders,
and small flocks were occasionally observed
along Highway 60.
Red Crossbill: Observations on Highway 60 were
of four at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk and six between Opeongo Road and the
East Gate on January 27.
White-winged Crossbill: Seven were noted along
Opeongo Road on January 27,
and one was calling in flight at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk on January 28. Two
were at Spruce Bog today.
American Goldfinch: One or two are regular at
the Visitor Centre, and a few
were seen along Highway 60.
Evening Grosbeak: About 20 to 35 were regular
at the Visitor Centre feeders
this week, especially in the morning. There
were 60 there early on January
27.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Another Eastern
Towhee wintering in Muskoka
Posted on January 30, 2014 at 03:42:34 PM by Al Sinclair
Ross Simpson near Bala reports that he has had
a Towhee at his feeders since November. He sees it every day in the morning and
evening, also sees it going into his snowmobile shed where he thinks it spends
the night. From his description I think it is an Eastern not a Spotted. Ross
says that anyone is welcome to come by and have a look. The address is 1157
Moon River Rd.
Film about Juncos
Posted on January 30, 2014 at 11:40:54 AM by Goodyear
Today on the American Birding Association's website
there was a review of an intersting feature length film about juncos. The film,
with a running time of 88 minutes, can be viewed in short segements of 5 - 20
minutes each. The movie, titled "Ordinary, Extraordinary Junco" can
be viewed online or downloaded to your computer. Click on the video tab on the
home page at www.juncoproject.org/
Blue Jays
Posted on January 29, 2014 at 01:55:38 PM by JohnEarl
Re Blue Jays, J.Earl - Yearley Road, Lots of bluejays,
we have about 40, we also have about 17 mourning doves,they seem to mix in . We
have three juncoes, three tree sparrows, two hairy woodpeckers and 10 or 12
black capped chickadees. The small birds are usually here first and the last to
leave. All these numbers have been here everyday for quite a while. We have
about 10 feeding stations. We've had a hawk here a couple of times, not sure if
it was a sharp shinned hawk. Last week on a nearby walking trail on the farm I
came across two bluejay remains, large wing marks were in the snow beside. I've
started to add rolled corn to feed the hungry blue jays. Steel cut corn would
be better. The blue jays sometimes just fill up their crop and fly away, now
the sunflower seed bag is lasting longer, and corn is cheaper and you pay no
tax.
Re(3): Blue Jays
Posted on January 29, 2014 at 12:35:44 PM by Debbie
Adams
June, I've noticed odd behaviour too. I see
their tracks in the snow where the garage doors meet the ground and it looks
like they've been pecking at the concrete. Also, the paint seems to be peeling
off the doors rapidly. Now I know why.
Pileated's have taken huge chunks of wood from
railings and gazebo though.
(Walker's Point)
Re(2): Blue Jays
Posted on January 29, 2014 at 10:59:13 AM by J. Gardner
We have had 40 odd Blue Jays all winter too
(Hurdville - Lake Manitouwabing) and do go through seed. But, this year they
have become destructive, picking the paint off the wooden back steps, and the
barn/cum garage, and the railing around the deck. They have made the railings
look extremely shabby.
A friend asked Google why Blue Jays would do
this, and the answer was that there is limestone (thus calcium) in paints and
the birds were short of calcium. I have tried supplying egg shell to them, but
it doesn't stop the behaviour. I wonder where those birds will be in the spring
when I have to sand and repaint the railings. June GArdner
Re(1): Blue Jays
Posted on January 29, 2014 at 10:30:40 AM by janice
house
We have 10 every day and 18 when it is really
cold. They pig out on my finch seed too, my poor juncos and American tree
sparrows get pushed out.
Blue Jays
Posted on January 29, 2014 at 10:01:52 AM by Debbie
Adams
We seemed to have cornered the market on Blue
Jays. I counted 40 on and around one of our feeders just now and there were
plenty more in the trees and at other feeders. These numbers have been steady
all winter long ... so have my trips to the feed store.
(Walker's Point)
Re(1): Are pine
martens showing up in Algonquin this year?
Posted on January 28, 2014 at 04:40:20 PM by StuartImmonen
Apparently so!
Are pine martens
showing up in Algonquin this year?
Posted on January 28, 2014 at 02:00:37 PM by coreyhkh
Hey everyone does anyone know if the pine
martens are showing up this year in the park regularly?
Re(1): Bird Board
update
Posted on January 29, 2014 at 07:50:18 PM by
dinnymccraney
Thank you, Barbara, for this wonderful venue to
share sightings and information. I have learn
Bird Board update
Posted on January 28, 2014 at 10:49:28 AM by Barbara Taylor
Archived Reports
The full set of posts for 2013 are now
available online in the Archived Reports. You can also download the complete
set of reports for 2000 - 2013 to your computer as a zip file. Go to the
Archived Reports via the link near the top of the Bird Board. Thanks go out to
the Muskoka Field Naturalists for providing storage space for the archived
files in "their cloud".
New to the Bird Board?
Check out the "Posting Guidelines"
link near the top of the Bird Board. I've included several handy tips about
using the board. And if you want to do a test post or learn how to post a photo
in your message, go to the Nature Photos Board and give it a try. You don't
need to register before posting on that board.
Thanks to everyone for all your posts.
Barbara Taylor
email: muskoka_birder@hotmail.com
Northern Shrike -
Huntsville
Posted on January 28, 2014 at 08:41:22 AM by Goodyear
This morning I saw a Northern Shrike sitting in
a tree near the Highway 11/Main Street exit.
Wild Turkeys
Vankoughnet - photo
Posted on January 27, 2014 at 03:04:32 PM by Al Sinclair
From Stan and Helena Gragg, south of
Vankoughnet -- photo
We have a flock of 37 or 38 that spend most of
the day here and roost in trees nearby at night. They also spend time in the
spruce trees eating spruce buds. Stan
Algonquin Park Birding
Report: 23 January
Posted on January 23, 2014 at 10:06:10 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Jan. 23, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
The finch species and numbers of individuals
present here now are similar to
those seen when winter birding officially began
on December 1. Pine
Grosbeaks have remained in the north where they
are sustained by bumper
mountain-ash berry crops, as predicted in Ron
Pittaway's annual winter finch
forecast. Most redpolls were expected to stay
in the north because birch,
alder and conifer seed crops are generally good
across the boreal forest. So
far they have, but a redpoll flight to southern
Ontario may yet occur this
winter if food availability lessens in the
north.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
Opeongo Road.
Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk, near the
East Gate, and in Mew Lake Campground.
Boreal Chickadee: One was seen at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk on January 19, and a
single bird was noted along Opeongo Road on
January 19 and 20.
Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Up to six are now coming to the
Visitor Centre feeders.
Red Crossbill: One or two on January 18 and two
on January 19 were at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk.
American Goldfinch: About three are regular at
the Visitor Centre, and
others were seen along Highway 60.
Evening Grosbeak: Up to 49 were regular at the
Visitor Centre feeders this
week..
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Re(2): Coywolf
documentary
Posted on January 27, 2014 at 11:03:05 AM by janice
house
We watched the program last night, it was really
interesting. Several years ago my cousin lost his cat to a coywolf?? he lives
near Steeles & Bathurst
Re(1): Coywolf
documentary
Posted on January 26, 2014 at 03:32:15 PM by Al Sinclair
Videos from Haliburton. Eastern Wolf or
Coywolf???
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBU_1LQNKwOMMJO5AtOHLMg/videos
Coywolf documentary
Posted on January 22, 2014 at 07:09:05 PM by Barbara Taylor
Back in December there was a discussion on the
Bird Board about the Coywolf.
In case anyone is interested, there is a PBS
Nature documentary entitled "Meet the Coywolf" scheduled to show on
WNED (Ch. 17) tonight (Jan. 22) at 8 p.m.
Or you can watch it online at another time on
the CBC website here: http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episodes/meet-the-coywolf
Re(1): Pileated
Woodpecker
Posted on January 23, 2014 at 07:56:45 PM by
dinnymccraney
I think "ours" must have flown over
to your place! He has been here most of the winter, but not the last few days
as I let the suet run out. Now it has been refilled, both male and female
downys and hairys have moved in
Pileated Woodpecker
Posted on January 22, 2014 at 11:33:01 AM by Barbara Taylor
For several years we've had a female Pileated
visit our suet cage on a daily basis, but not this winter. She was last seen
mid-November, and as far as I know, she hasn't been back. A few days ago this
male Pileated turned up and he was here again this morning. (Bracebridge)
photo1
photo2
Re(3): Wild Turkeys
Posted on January 21, 2014 at 07:53:15 AM by missyinmuskoka
I had two come to my feeders last weekend and
stayed for most of the day. When my dogs came around they jumped into a tree...
and then back down when my dogs were out of sight. They were very bold!
Re(2): Wild Turkeys
Posted on January 20, 2014 at 10:08:50 PM by
tedthevideoman
Barb...those same Birds are roosting as I type
in the trees in our back yard
Re(1): Wild Turkeys
Posted on January 20, 2014 at 06:40:37 PM by Debbie
Adams
There are several rafters of turkey's here on
WP and they come to our feeder in waves.
Early this morning coywolf tracks were spotted
following turkey tracks by a neighbour.
This afternoon we spotted Raven's flying around
overhead, so we're guessing it's turkey they are scavenging.
(Walker's Point)
Wild Turkeys
Posted on January 20, 2014 at 01:06:53 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around noon today there were 11 Wild Turkeys
walking single file along the sidewalk next to Glendale Rd. Once they reached
Kevin Cres. they crossed over to the west and went down into the ravine behind
the houses. (Bracebridge)
Re(1): Fox at suet
-- photos
Posted on January 21, 2014 at 08:30:34 PM by
dinnymccraney
beautiful!
Fox at suet --
photos
Posted on January 19, 2014 at 09:25:35 PM by Doug Smith
This morning we had a treat for breakfast -- a fox
visited our suet feeder! photo1
photo2
Huntsville Swan
Died
Posted on January 17, 2014 at 04:23:49 PM by Al Sinclair
http://www.muskokaregion.com/news-story/4322111-lead-poisoned-swan-dies-despite-community-effort/
Re(1): Bald Eagles,
Gravenhurst Landfill
Posted on February 9, 2014 at 02:55:35 PM by BryanGrant
Sighting an eagle gets a wow from me. Since Nov
I have seen eagles twice. Once in the Bancroft area and today Feb 9th while
northbound on the 400hwy. I had just came up the knoll from the Holland Marsh
about 300m south of hwy88 & 400. Not muskoka but sightings of eagles in Ont
- wow
Bald Eagles,
Gravenhurst Landfill
Posted on January 17, 2014 at 03:07:10 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
This morning Joyce and Hal Pegg saw an adult
and immature Bald Eagle at the landfill.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 16 January
Posted on January 16, 2014 at 09:40:25 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Jan. 16, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Two or three Ruffed Grouse were feeding regularly
under the Visitor Centre
feeders this week.
Wild Turkeys were noted along Highway 60 west
of Lookout Trail and at
Opeongo Road, apparently coping with the recent
cold and deep snow.
A Bald Eagle flew over the Visitor Centre on
January 12.
Twelve Snow Buntings on the Visitor Centre
parking lot the same day were
typical of high winter numbers in our
contiguous forest habitat.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: No reports. Try Spruce Bog
Boardwalk and Opeongo Road.
Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk, near the
East Gate, and in Mew Lake Campground.
Boreal Chickadee: No reports. Try Spruce Bog
Boardwalk and Opeongo Road.
Black-backed Woodpecker: A male and a female
were at Tea Lake Dam on January
15.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Up to 25 are regular at the
Visitor Centre, and others were
seen along Highway 60.
Red Crossbill: One was on the highway at Track
and Tower Trail (km 24) on
January 12.
White-winged Crossbill: Four were observed at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk today.
American Goldfinch: Up to 25 are regular at the
Visitor Centre, and others
were seen along Highway 60.
Evening Grosbeak: Up to 45 were regular at the
Visitor Centre feeders this
week..
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Huntsville Nature
Club Meeting, January 28
Posted on January 16, 2014 at 10:37:09 AM by BevEaston
On Tuesday, January 28, the Huntsville Nature
Club will present an illustrated talk, entitled, “Why did the salamander cross
the road?”, by David LeGros, Natural Heritage Education Specialist in Algonquin
Park. David will explore some of the challenges faced by amphibians in central
Ontario, including crossing logging roads. We will learn how researchers are
trying to rehabilitate unused logging roads to improve the migration and
dispersal of amphibians in Algonquin Park.
The Huntsville Nature Club meeting takes place
at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Hall, on West Street, Huntsville, at 7 pm.
Guests are always welcome. A $3 donation is appreciated. For more information regarding
the Huntsville Nature Club, contact Ken Morrison (705) 789-1407.
Re(2): Tree
Sparrows...Gone?
Posted on January 21, 2014 at 08:28:16 PM by
dinnymccraney
Same thing happened with the goldfinches here.
Re(1): Tree
Sparrows...Gone?
Posted on January 19, 2014 at 08:34:08 AM by Al Sinclair
False alarm, they were all back yesterday.
Re(4): Tree
Sparrows...Gone?
Posted on January 17, 2014 at 10:46:06 PM by Debbie
Adams
I've had one lone one all winter long and it's
still here feeding happily when the Jays vacate the feeder.
(Walker's Point)
Re(3): Tree
Sparrows...Gone?
Posted on January 17, 2014 at 03:01:23 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
One back this morning!
Re(1): Tree
Sparrows...Gone?
Posted on January 17, 2014 at 09:15:06 AM by janice
house
Mine come and go depending on the cold,
sometimes six, I saw one this morning
Re(2): Tree
Sparrows...Gone?
Posted on January 16, 2014 at 12:14:18 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
The four I had coming here, in Bala, have left.
Re(1): Tree
Sparrows...Gone?
Posted on January 16, 2014 at 10:49:02 AM by Al Sinclair
OK they're not all gone. Had 4 here this
morning. The milder weather may be be allowing them to forage in a larger area.
Tree
Sparrows...Gone?
Posted on January 15, 2014 at 04:40:12 PM by Al Sinclair
We had 5 to 15 Tree Sparrows every day this
winter until Jan. 11 when the weather was very warm. Since then they have
disappeared. Went north or south? Anyone still seeing them in Muskoka?
The River at Port
Sydney
Posted on January 15, 2014 at 12:48:02 PM by jim griffin
Our stretch of river north and south of the
bridge has been quiet up to now, but there is life again. 6 common Goldeneye
and a female common Merganser today; as well as, regular appearances by 2 or 3
River Otters sitting on the ice munching fish.
Re(1):
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Posted on January 12, 2014 at 06:32:08 PM by Barb
Staples
Yesterday the new-resident-SSH took the only
male hairy woodpecker from the suet. The girls were back soon afterwards along
with chickadees and nuthatches but blue jays did not return until today. Sunny
Lake, Gravenhurst.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Posted on January 12, 2014 at 04:21:45 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon some of the birds returned to
our feeder as there was no sign of the earlier Shrike.
Oops! In came this Sharpie, sending them all
flying off again. (Bracebridge) photo
Even though it isn't a very cold day, the hawk was very fluffed up. It also kept pulling up its right leg into its body. Perhaps it took a hard hit when it missed its prey.
Bald Eagle at
Baysville - photo
Posted on January 12, 2014 at 03:35:52 PM by Al Sinclair
Cathy VanCleif from Baysville took this photo
Jan 11, 2014 on the river bank by her place. photo
Bald eagles we see here in winter are most
likely wintering birds from Northern Ontario. They scavenge at coywolf kills,
roadkills and dumps. Sometimes are seen picking at dead fish frozen in the ice
or fish remains left around fish huts. Numbers in Muskoka in winter have been
increasing for several years. They have been recorded on the
Gravenhurst-Bracebridge Christmas Bird Count for the last 6 years. This year
there were 3 at the Gravenhurst landfill site.
Re(1): Squirrels
Posted on January 14, 2014 at 09:46:43 AM by Barbara Taylor
Possibly they had more successful and larger
litters due to good food crops last year. There seemed to be a noticeable
increase in the vole and mouse populations too.
Re(1): Squirrels
Posted on January 13, 2014 at 06:59:00 PM by J. Gardner
No idea why so many squirrels... somewhere in
the cycle? The black squirrel is a colour phase of the Gray Squirrel. J.
Gardner
Squirrels
Posted on January 12, 2014 at 08:20:03 PM by
dinnymccraney
Any idea why are there so many squirrels this
year?
Black ones seem to be in the greatest number,
but several fat gray ones as well!
Re(1): Northern
Shrike
Posted on January 12, 2014 at 11:52:49 AM by Goodyear
We too have had many squirrels today, 10+, and
one chipmunk. We had 17 Purple Finches yesterday, but the sex ratio flipped: 13
were female, and only 4 male.
Northern Shrike
Posted on January 12, 2014 at 10:43:39 AM by Barbara Taylor
We were pleasantly surprised by the increased
activity at our birdfeeder this morning. More Purple Finches had arrived as
well as several Goldfinches and Blue Jays. But suddenly it was over in the
blink of an eye as a Northern Shrike sent all the birds scattering up and away.
The Shrike didn't catch anything, but now the yard is "quiet"
again...except for eleven Squirrels (1 Red plus 8 black and 2 gray). There was
a Flying Squirrel again last night too. And some Raccoon tracks in the fresh
skiff of snow. (Bracebridge)
A Doe with her two offspring briefly checked
out the spilled seed this morning photo1
and the not-so spilled seed... photo2
Re(1): Finches -
Leonard Lake
Posted on January 12, 2014 at 03:45:20 PM by
michaelhatton
On the west side of Leonard Lake we haven't
seen Finches or Redpolls this winter, which is a significant and disappointing
change from past years.
However, even in the recent warm weather, the
Goldfinches number more than a dozen at the front, back, and above and below the
main deck. They seem to have signed on to some sort of peace treaty with the
dozen Chickadees, several Woodpeckers (mostly Hairy, but some Downy), multiple
Nuthatches (White and Red Breasted), and daily visitations by the Blue Jay
troop. While they won't eat side by side, they will come into near proximity
and then keep an eye on each other while sorting out seed preferences.
photo1 photo2 photo3 photo4 photo5
Re(1): Finches
Posted on January 11, 2014 at 08:10:40 PM by
dinnymccraney
I have had flocks of goldfinches since before
Christmas. I can't keep the feeders filled!
I am also amazed at how many black and gray
squirrels are out and about.(At least the dogs are getting lots of exercise!)
Re(1): Finches
Posted on January 11, 2014 at 01:16:31 PM by missyinmuskoka
Hi saw one american goldfinch at my feeder this
past week. It came at around 7:30 each morning. Today I have 4 coming
consistently. I have not had any purple finches.
I miss the redpolls too :(
Finches
Posted on January 11, 2014 at 11:24:29 AM by Barbara Taylor
We had six Purple Finch and about a dozen
American Goldfinch at our feeder yesterday. (Bracebridge)
Yesterday morning there were also a few Purple
Finches near the dip in the trail east of Henry Marsh, as well as an American
Tree Sparrow, a Blue Jay, and the usual bunch of Chickadees and Red-breasted
Nuthatches.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 9 January
Posted on January 9, 2014 at 10:27:28 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Jan. 9, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Noteworthy birds in Whitney (east of Algonquin
Park on Highway 60) this
week included: Common Goldeneyes (8) and Hooded
Mergansers (2) on
the Madawaska River on January 4; a Northern
Mockingbird along the river
near the highway on January 4 and 5; and
Bohemian Waxwings (6) on
January 8.
A revised update of my book, Birds of Algonquin
Park, including new
earliest and latest migration dates plus rarity
records is now available at:
www.algonquinpark.on.ca/bap
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: A female was observed along
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on
January 2.
Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk, near the
East Gate, and in Mew Lake Campground.
Boreal Chickadee: Seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk,
including on the suet feeder
near the trail register box.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Just three were found
by 84 observers on the CBC
(January 4).
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Up to 15 are regular at the
Visitor Centre, and others were
seen along Opeongo Road and along Highway 60.
There were 321 on the CBC
(January 4).
Red Crossbill: One on the highway at Found Lake
and two at Lake of Two
Rivers on January 1.Two west of Beaver Pond
Trail on January 4. Thirty-five
were seen on the Christmas Count on January 4.
White-winged Crossbill: A few along Highway 60,
including 12 seen on the
Christmas Count on January 4.
American Goldfinch: A few are regular at the
Visitor Centre and small flocks
are along Highway 60. There were 201 on the CBC
(January 4).
Evening Grosbeak: Up to about 35 were regular
at the Visitor Centre this
week, and a few were noted elsewhere as well.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
DIRECTIONS:
Algonquin Provincial 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 Information Guide
(with a map of birding locations
mentioned here) at the East Gate or the West
Gate. Locations are also
described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
The Visitor Centre and restaurant at km 43 are
open on weekends from 9 am
to 5 pm during winter.
The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings and
information. It is usually
possible to access the building on weekdays in
winter from 9 am to
4 pm. Visitors are welcome to bring a packed
lunch and use the restaurant
seating area on weekdays. Hot and cold
beverages, and light snacks are
available to purchase then, as well as the use
of a microwave.
For more information see the Algonquin Park
events calendar at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/
Wild Turkey - photo
Posted on January 8, 2014 at 07:31:40 PM by Barbara Taylor
Dennis Wilks sent this photo he took yesterday
of a Turkey caught in an interesting pose. photo
Great way to keep the snow off the feeder
Dennis...we could have used one here too yesterday as the snow just wouldn't
stop!
Re(1): 22nd Parry
Sound Christmas Bird Count
Posted on January 6, 2014 at 06:56:06 PM by J. Gardner
Too bad the Kingfisher, still visiting the
small open patch on the pond near the Seguin River bridge on the McDougall
Road, out of Parry Sound, was spotted to late for that count. He has been seen
by several folks, several times, still working that patch when it is open.The
drainage seems to come from the McDougall Landfill, and the water is anything
but pure. But, it doesn't freeze easily either. J. Gardner
22nd Parry Sound
Christmas Bird Count
Posted on January 6, 2014 at 10:51:18 AM by smromaniuk
We were a bit thin on the field this year, as
were the birds, braving 2+ feet of snow the week of the count and -20 degrees
temps Friday night into Saturday morning. I said it probably wouldn't be a record
year, but Sue suggested that it may break records... low ones! :) It is the 2nd
coldest count in the 21 years the count has been active in Parry Sound. The
coldest was in 2004 with thermometer temps only reaching a high of -24 (morning
started at -29!).
We still had 12 field observers and 7 cozy
feederwatchers. 28 species all told, including an unknown Buteo (Red-tailed or
Rough-legged) and two count week birds (Northern Shrike and a Pileated
Woodpecker. Only 936 individuals counted.
Common Goldeneye (25)
Greater Scaup (2) New species for count
Bald Eagle (5)
Unknown Hawk (1)
Northern Shrike (count week)
Herring Gull (80)
Great Black-backed Gull (1)
Iceland Gull (1)
Mourning Dove (5)
Rock Pigeon (64)
Wild Turkey (73) High record - 1st rec 2008
Hairy Woodpecker (18)
Downy Woodpecker (9)
Pileated Woodpecker (count week)
Blue Jay (160) Been very high last 3 years
Amercian Crow (8)
Common Raven (90)
Black-capped Chickadee (129)
White Breasted Nuthatch (7)
Red Breasted Nuthatch (5)
European Starling (106)
Northern Cardinal (2)
American Tree Sparrow (17)
Dark-eyed Junco (5)
Snow Bunting (33)
Purple Finch (2)
Common Redpoll (1)
American Goldfinch (83)
40th Algonquin Park
Christmas Bird Count
Posted on January 5, 2014 at 10:07:38 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Jan. 5, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
The 40th Algonquin Park CBC was held on
Saturday, January 4.
Conditions for observing were fairly good,
although a south wind of 20 kph
(with occasional gusts to 30 kph) until early
afternoon caused problems
hearing birds such as woodpeckers. The temperature
ranged from minus 14 to
minus 4 C. It was sunny in the morning and
cloudy in the afternoon, with no
precipitation. There was almost no open water.
The snow was knee-deep but
walking trails and the many places where people
had snowshoed were well
packed down.
Total Observers: 84
Total Species: 24 (average is 28)
Total Individuals: 2,557 (average is 4,785)
Birds per Party Hour: 11 (low of 4 birds/party
hour has occurred in two
previous years)
New Species for the Count: none
Noteworthy Species:
-Wild Turkey: 9 (new high count)
-Northern Saw-whet Owl: count week; one
roosting (photos) was found as it
was being mobbed by birds on January 2 along
the border of Visitor Centre
parking lot.
Finches: lower numbers than on any previous
count with as many cones.
-Purple Finch: 321
-Red Crossbill: 35
-White-winged Crossbill: 12 (including some
singing males)
-American Goldfinch: 201
-Evening Grosbeak: 73 (including 62 at the
Visitor Centre feeders)
Notable Missed Species:
-Spruce Grouse (count week; female at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk on January 2)
Complete count results will be posted at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park CBC Compiler
Dwight, ON
Re(3): Purple
Finches
Posted on January 7, 2014 at 12:25:06 PM by Doug Smith
We had 3 show up just before New Year's, but
haven't seen any since. (Uffington)
Re(2): Purple
Finches
Posted on January 5, 2014 at 11:11:35 AM by Al Sinclair
Only had 1 here recently and it has moved on.
Hwy 118E 8km east of Bracebridge
Re(1): Purple
Finches
Posted on January 5, 2014 at 10:43:17 AM by Goodyear
We have had them almost daily at our feeders
(Meadow Heights Bracebridge) since 21 December, with a high of 18 on 2 January.
There was also a post yesterday on Ontbirds of a large flock of about 50 Purple
Finches at a feeder near Aspdin. The post stated they had been coming daily,
but it didn't say when they first showed up.
Purple Finches
Posted on January 4, 2014 at 09:39:04 PM by Barbara Taylor
Are Purple Finches starting to move southward?
We hadn't seen any this winter until a couple days ago when one showed up in
our yard. Had another today at "the dip" in the trail east of Henry
Marsh. (Bracebridge)
Re(2): Bald Eagles
- Gravenhurst Landfill
Posted on January 6, 2014 at 10:25:49 AM by Goodyear
Hi Eleanor, We saw the eagles from the road
outside the landfill. They passed overhead a couple times as they were being
pestered by Ravens and one (an adultt) perched in a tree and was visible from
the roadway. The other two were subadults, first/second year birds. We were on
our way south and just made a quick stop to see what was around.
Re(1): Bald Eagles
- Gravenhurst Landfill
Posted on January 6, 2014 at 07:49:11 AM by eleanor kee wellman
Are the eagles being seen from inside or
outside the landfill site?
Re(1): Bald Eagles -
Gravenhurst Landfill
Posted on January 5, 2014 at 08:15:39 PM by Debbie
Adams
Is a subadult one without a white head? If so,
I saw one last week at the dump. It was sitting on the ground and it was HUGE!
Bald Eagles -
Gravenhurst Landfill
Posted on January 4, 2014 at 09:15:21 PM by Goodyear
This morning we saw 3 Bald Eagles at the
Gravenhurst Landfill - one adult and two subadults.
Re(2): Trumpeter
Swan in Huntsville rescued - Update
Posted on January 5, 2014 at 02:11:50 PM by coreyhkh
lead sinkers should be banned from use in
Canada, there are plenty of alternatives.
Re(1): Trumpeter
Swan in Huntsville rescued - Update
Posted on January 4, 2014 at 10:49:45 PM by Al Sinclair
It is being treated for lead poisoning caused
by a fishing sinker.
https://www.facebook.com/huntersbayradio/posts/10152013673489300
Trumpeter Swan in
Huntsville rescued
Posted on January 4, 2014 at 01:24:10 PM by Al Sinclair
Just noticed this on the Hunters Bay Radio
twitter feed. Looks like someone decided the swan that has wintering in
Huntsville for many years needed to be rescued. From the photos it appears that
there is very little open water left. Last comment states that it has been
taken to a vet in Barrie.
https://www.facebook.com/huntersbayradio/posts/10152012872614300
owl and raven
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 12:36:52 PM by John Challis
This morning in a brutal chill, a raven flew
over our place, croaking in a rage. It circled over the trees to the north of
our house, where I saw an owl hunched in the branches. The harassment continued
for some time, until it was just too cold to stay outside. Couldn't tell the
species from the distance but its body shape suggested a barred owl - also the
most likely to show up.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 2 January
Posted on January 2, 2014 at 06:42:16 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Jan. 2, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
A revised update of my book, Birds of Algonquin
Park, including new
earliest and latest migration dates plus rarity
records is now available at:
www.algonquinpark.on.ca/bap
Six Wild Turkeys are daily visitors to the
Visitor Centre feeders, as is a
Ruffed Grouse.
Pine Martens are being seen at the bird seed
people leave near the open gate
on Opeongo Road, and in Mew Lake Campground.
The Visitor Centre is open daily, 9 am to 5 pm,
from December 27 to
January 5. Opeongo Road is open and plowed
right to the lake.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk,
in the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area, and
in Mew Lake Campgrond.
Boreal Chickadee: Five were observed on the
rail bed between Arowhon Road
and Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area on
December 28, and one was seen
there on December 30. One calling on Opeongo
Road at Cameron Lake Road
today was easily pished in for good views.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One was along the rail
bed between Arowhon
Road and the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area
on December 29, and another
was reported along Opeongo Road on December 30.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Up to 20 are regular at the
Visitor Centre, and some are being
observed at other sites along the highway.
Red Crossbill: Five were seen near km 33 on
Highway 60 on January 1.
American Goldfinch: A few are regular at the
Visitor Centre and occasionally
along Highway 60.
Evening Grosbeak: Up to about 35 were regular
at the Visitor Centre this
week..
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Algonquin Park
finches, etc.
Posted on January 1, 2014 at 07:36:21 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Angie
Williams on ONTBIRDS (Jan. 1, 2014) and is provided here with the kind
permission of the Ontario Field
Ornithologists.
Some nice birds to kick off 2014, seen this
morning along the Hwy 60 corridor: Red Crossbills (5) near km 33; Purple
Finches (5) near km 40, and also at the Visitor Centre; American Goldfinches
(6) also near km 40. There is still a large flock (approx 25) of Evening
Grosbeaks at the Visitor Centre. 6 Wild Turkeys are hanging around near the
feeders, too.
Happy New Year!
Angie & Ken Williams
Re(1): Snow bird
Posted on January 5, 2014 at 09:19:21 PM by Barbara Taylor
It resembles an American Avocet, but considering
the weather, it was probably a verrry Blue-footed Booby!
Re(1): Snow bird
Posted on January 5, 2014 at 05:16:16 PM by John Challis
The bill would suggest a whimbrel, but I'm guessing
an Arctic Tern for the Worse.
Snow bird
Posted on January 1, 2014 at 10:29:59 AM by Goodyear
We came across this "bird" yesterday
while snowshoeing in the Beaver Creek Valley. I.d suggestions?? Happy New
Year. photo
