Muskoka Bird Board - Archived Reports from April - June 2014
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Re(1): Tree
Swallows
Posted on July 1, 2014 at 09:57:15 AM by Terry & Marion Whittam
Excellent Janice. I'm so glad to hear. We have
zero tree swallows at the lake. I have about 30 boxes still up but nothing this
year! A real indicator something is going on!
Terry & Marion
Tree Swallows
Posted on June 30, 2014 at 04:24:08 PM by janice house
Our tree swallows fledged yesterday, the last
two left the bluebird box late afternoon. Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Re(1): forest tent
caterpillars
Posted on June 29, 2014 at 02:10:44 PM by diannawolfe
Wow, you can hear noises in the woods over the
whine of mosquitoes? We still can't venture down our trail.
forest tent
caterpillars
Posted on June 29, 2014 at 12:32:49 PM by John Challis
Washago is experiencing a growing influx of
forest tent caterpillars this summer. Can hear the soft rain of their droppings
in the woods when it's still. The trees don't seem to be suffering yet. One
advantage: we are hearing black - billed cuckoos often. We're still hoping to
actually see one though. I'm hoping this is as intense as the invasion gets;
memories of the mess ca. 1984 still quite fresh in my mind.
Re(1): Pileated early
morning rounds
Posted on July 3, 2014 at 10:57:11 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Love your pictures, specially the middle one of
him checking out the box!
Pileated early
morning rounds
Posted on June 27, 2014 at 02:40:55 PM by michaelhatton
This fellow seems to have a regular pattern,
tree to tree, with little concern for the neighbourhood. photo
He particularly likes this stump, which he is the process of de-barking. He also checks daily to see if anyone has moved in. photo
In this pic you get a sense of the 4 inch, barbed tongue. Not to be appreciated if you are a carpenter ant. photo
Painted Skimmer and
Elfin Skimmers -- Torrance Barrens
Posted on June 26, 2014 at 05:35:49 PM by diannawolfe
I'm a little slow in posting, but we checked
out the Torrance Barrens this past Saturday for odes and other assorted things.
I wasn't disappointed to find my first Painted Skimmer. As Peter Mills posted
earlier, there has been a fantastic incursion of Painted Skimmers into Ontario
this year. I was happy to finally see one.
Also about were numerous male and female Elfin
Skimmers, one of my favourites. We were lucky enough to watch a pair of these
tiny dragonflies ovipositing, the female depositing eggs on the surface of the
water while the male hovered, guarding her about 30 cm above.
The other usual suspects were also about--lots
of Calico Pennants, a Common Baskettail, Marsh Bluets, etc.
Painted Skimmer female -- photo
Elfin Skimmer male -- photo
Elfin Skimmer female -- photo
Re(1): Strange
Ravens
Posted on June 26, 2014 at 07:06:58 PM by Barbara Taylor
They look like juveniles, so perhaps they will
lose the white bits as they mature.
Strange Ravens
Posted on June 25, 2014 at 06:58:58 AM by TheCardys
Saw three of these Ravens together on the side
of the hwy the other day. Since then, have seen them several more times. All
have the exact same white markings on head/beak area.
Silvery Checkerspot
Posted on June 24, 2014 at 10:35:40 AM by Barbara Taylor
This Silvery Checkerspot butterfly visited our
yard on Saturday (June 21) - first one I've seen here. phototop
photounderside
It seemed to like the garden with Purple Coneflowers and Black-eyed Susies. (Bracebridge)
Re(1): Pileated vs
Hydro One
Posted on July 2, 2014 at 08:25:13 PM by Barbara Taylor
Here's what they're trying in our
neighbourhood. I guess the Pileateds are supposed to think the pole is already
taken, and leave it alone...but there is already a new hole not far from the
decoy. Wonder what kind of mutant woodpecker this is supposed to be?! ;) photo
Re(1): Pileated vs
Hydro One
Posted on June 25, 2014 at 11:49:20 AM by janice house
Our resident pair have almost hollowed out the
top of one of the poles on Doe Lake Rd (Gravenhurst) and one on Laycox Rd,
Lakeland Power........
Pileated vs Hydro
One
Posted on June 24, 2014 at 09:29:23 AM by michaelhatton
photo
Dragonflies and
Butterflies
Posted on June 22, 2014 at 04:04:23 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds I found
two Calico Pennant dragonflies - first ones I've seen this year. Butterflies
seen included Monarch, Viceroy, Mourning Cloak, Canadian Tiger Swallowtail,
Northern Crescent, Cabbage White, Common Ringlet, Eyed Brown, European Skipper,
White Admiral, and Silvery Blue. The birding was fairly "quiet"
except for a family of very vocal Ravens. There were four juveniles flying
about, being harassed by Red-winged Blackbirds. Eventually the young Ravens all
chased after one of their parents when it came flying out of the woods with a
large egg in its bill.
Calico Pennant: photo
Common Ringlet: photo
Eyed Brown: photo
I'm not certain if this is an Ashy Clubtail dragonfly consuming the Bluet since I only studied it with binoculars, but I couldn't see a noticeable spine on the claspers. photo
Other dragonflies seen included Chalk-fronted Corporal, Common Green Darner, Common Whitetail, Dot-tailed Whiteface, Four-spotted Skimmer, and a Black Saddlebags.
Muskoka Grassland
Birds
Posted on June 22, 2014 at 01:46:48 PM by George Bryant
On this sunny quiet Sunday second summer
morning from 6:30 -8:30 a.m., I surveyed the various fields around Kilworthy
for grassland birds. There were two herds of cattle, one pasture of horses with
accompanying Barn and Tree Swallows. Only two hayfields were cut, the rest are
overdue. I was pleased to tally five male, one female Bobolink in five fields,
four Eastern Meadowlark, four Wilson’s Snipe, two pairs of Eastern Bluebirds at
boxes, six Savannah Sparrow. I could not relocate the field which ten years’
ago supported a dozen Bobolinks—habitat changes. I was surprised to hear a
Trumpeter Swan bugling from nearby Sparrow Lake.
American Bittern
Posted on June 22, 2014 at 12:05:57 PM by Peter
Saw a pair of American Bittern at Echo Creek
Marsh. Hopefully they have a nest here somewhere photo1 photo2 photo3
Bracebridge Lagoon
- Wood Ducks
Posted on June 21, 2014 at 05:50:59 PM by michaelhatton
Wood Duck family enjoying a warm day in cell 3
at the Bracebridge lagoons. photo
MFN Trip to Awenda
Posted on June 21, 2014 at 05:43:54 PM by michaelhatton
On a perfect day, MFN members, led by park
naturalist Tim Tully, observed a broad variety of birds at Awenda Provincial
Park on Saturday. Notables included a curious Black and White Warbler, numerous
Redstarts (males and females) including one that was "fanning" its
tail to attract and then distract insects, a brilliant and loud Scarlet
Tanager, a lazy Eastern Kingbird, a pair of Canada Warblers, noisy Chickadees,
a pair of nesting Loons with a young one on the water, a fast moving Green
Heron, a road running Wood Thrush, several Blue Jays creating commotions, a
secretive Sapsucker, many talkative Pewees, and more than a couple of high
flying Cedar Waxwings. Regular suspects that dropped by to check on the group
included Robins, RW Blackbirds, Crows, a lonely Tree Swallow and Ring Billed
Gulls. In addition, the group was treated to a host of species -- more than a
dozen -- that were clearly heard multiple times though not seen. Sadly, the
Cerulean was AWOL. However, Mr Tully, an extraordinarily knowledgeable and warm
host, committed to having this example sing on demand next year.
The group also learned about the geological and
cultural history of the area including the significant and ongoing shifts in
the botanical makeup of the park during the past 200 years. Various toads, a
Smallmouth Bass protecting a "nest" with eggs, a half dozen different
butterflies, at least three or four dragonfly species, and a look at half a
dozen Snapping Turtle nests that had been "robbed" most likely by
raccoons added to the interesting day. Thanks to Linda Boon for organizing a
highly successful trip.
Re(2): Northern
Shovelers
Posted on June 22, 2014 at 04:07:47 PM by Barbara Taylor
I've never seen any baby Shovelers at the Ponds
so don't think they breed there. Probably the males were just wandering about
looking for a safe place to molt...they were gone the next day.
Re(1): Northern
Shovelers
Posted on June 20, 2014 at 09:54:59 PM by coreyhkh
Do you think they are breeding? or just got
lost?
Northern Shovelers
Posted on June 20, 2014 at 12:27:35 PM by Barbara Taylor
Just got back from the Bracebridge Ponds. There
are six male Northern Shovelers in cell 3. Three Green Herons were around cell
4. The female Hooded Merganser was in cell 2 but only had one duckling with her
now - had been two when first seen June 8. A Merlin flew south over cell 2 and
up over the treatment plant...I think they may have a nest over that way. Two
Cedar Waxwings were perched in a dead tree north of cell 4. The Shovelers were
too far away for a good photo - here are 4 of them: photo
Yellow-throated
Vireo
Posted on June 20, 2014 at 09:50:52 AM by janice house
I heard then managed to see the vireo this
morning in the top of a white pine on Laycox Rd (Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst). We
have also had herring gulls feeding in our front yard this week.
Monarchs, Osprey
Bracebridge Lagoons
Posted on June 19, 2014 at 08:29:30 PM by george bryant
To-day between 3 & 5:30 p.m., I noted a
circling Osprey (where did it come from?) and a pair of Savannah Sparrows
carrying food between Cells 1 and 3 (you see lots of SASP there in the fall,
but normally you think of fields and pastures for these birds). Also a flyby
Kingfisher.
Butterflies: two Monarchs (my foy), three
Viceroys, many Ringlets and N. Crescents + Arctic, European, Hobomok,
Pocohontas Skipper.
Great to be back
Re(1): Butterflies
- ID?
Posted on June 18, 2014 at 07:30:39 PM by Al Sinclair
It is a pocahontas Hobomok. Matches illustration
in Kaufman, best field guide available in my opinion. Had a Hobomok here this
week, the typical form. The brown ones are just as common I would say.
Butterflies - ID?
Posted on June 18, 2014 at 05:11:26 PM by Barbara Taylor
This brown Skipper was at the Bracebridge Ponds
today and nothing in my field guide seems to match. Could it be the Pocahontas
form of the Hobomok Skipper? photo1
photo2
Other
butterflies seen included a Silvery Blue, American Copper, Canadian Tiger Swallowtail,
Common Ringlet, American Lady, Northern Crescent, and a Viceroy.
Silvery Blue - photo
American Copper - photo
Merlins
Posted on June 18, 2014 at 02:07:09 PM by
GeorgeBoddington
Two Merlins nesting: Birch island
Re(2): Dragonflies
- ID?
Posted on June 18, 2014 at 05:15:03 PM by Barbara Taylor
Thanks Al. There were several of them flying
today at the Ponds.
Re(1): Dragonflies
- ID?
Posted on June 16, 2014 at 11:26:44 PM by Al Sinclair
I think Crimson-ringed, lots of bright red.
Dragonflies - ID?
Posted on June 16, 2014 at 08:28:57 PM by Barbara Taylor
Today at the Bracebridge Ponds there were
several dragonflies around cell 4, including Dot-tailed Whiteface, Four-spotted
Skimmer, Common Whitetail, Widow Skimmer, Chalk-fronted Corporal, and three
Black Saddlebags (first ones we've seen this year). Oddly, there didn't seem to
be any Common Green Darners around.
I'm not sure if this is a Crimson-ringed
Whiteface or perhaps a Belted Whiteface without any pruinosity. Does anybody
know which it is? photo
Blackburnian
Warbler/Black Throated Blue Warbler
Posted on June 16, 2014 at 04:41:21 PM by janice house
I have been hearing the blackburnian in the
neighbourhood and our yard since last Thursday, finally spotted him in one of
the balsam fir trees in the back yard yesterday at supper time. On Saturday I
heard the black throated blue in the woods close to the Gravenhurst Drive-in.
Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Re(1): American
Wigeon - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on June 18, 2014 at 02:47:57 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around noon today at the Bracebridge Ponds
there was a male American Wigeon in cell 3. No sign of the Gadwalls.
Caspian Tern,
Gadwalls - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on June 16, 2014 at 02:45:58 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around noon today there were two Gadwalls at
the Bracebridge Ponds. A Caspian Tern flew in from the south, circled over cell
2 for a while, then headed north-west. A Green Heron was flying around cell 4.
Re(1): Bluebirds
starting to build nest
Posted on June 16, 2014 at 11:29:04 PM by Al Sinclair
Amazingly patient for a male isn't he?
Interesting video, thanks for posting it.
Re(1): Bluebirds
starting to build nest
Posted on June 16, 2014 at 11:28:06 AM by Debbie Adams
Oh how precious! Thanks for taking the time to
make the video and sharing.
Bluebirds starting
to build nest
Posted on June 15, 2014 at 09:03:32 PM by Carol Wagg
Mrs. B. collects roots and twigs for nestbox.
Mr. B. tries to feed her an insect, but her mouth is full. She finishes the
housework, and is then ready for a quick bite.
video - Bluebirds
preparing to nest
red bellied
woodpecker
Posted on June 15, 2014 at 09:58:36 AM by John Challis
While in bed this morning we heard the churr of
a red-bellied woodpecker outside the bedroom window. Of course by the time we
actually got up there was no sign of it. (Washago)
Downtown
Gravenhurst
Posted on June 12, 2014 at 04:07:40 PM by janice house
last night around 6pm four chimney swifts were flying
over the Yig's parking lot, two male house sparrows were zipping through the
garden centre
Scarlet Tanager
Posted on June 10, 2014 at 03:06:54 PM by Barb Staples
Male was just here, briefly. Last sighted May
30, 2011. Sunny Lake, Gravenhurst.
Re(1): Hummingbird
Moth
Posted on June 12, 2014 at 06:45:59 PM by Jim Griffin
I had one on moss flox flowers in my garden
last week.
Hummingbird Moth
Posted on June 10, 2014 at 01:31:58 PM by janice house
At lunch today my first hummingbird moth was on
the columbine flowers, Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Re(1): Eastern
Whip-poor-will
Posted on June 16, 2014 at 04:36:15 PM by janice house
A silly bird woke us up at 4:30 this morning,
calling right below the window.
Re(2): Eastern
Whip-poor-will
Posted on June 9, 2014 at 08:05:43 PM by Barb Staples
Here at Sunny Lake, Gravenhurst they started
May 6, earliest recorded was May 4. One carries on every night throughout the
summer, into the fall. How common is that? Also, this same character always
sits on my deck by the door or under the sentinel light in full view and pays
no attention to the ever-present dog. Phoebes have fledged already.
Re(1): Eastern
Whip-poor-will
Posted on June 9, 2014 at 12:45:37 PM by Carol Wagg
They have been calling here, too, at the back
of Doe Lake.
Re(3): Eastern
Whip-poor-will
Posted on June 10, 2014 at 11:54:26 AM by janice house
Last night as I was closing the back window the
call came from right behind our gazebo, never been that close before. Sure glad
they are still around.
Eastern
Whip-poor-will
Posted on June 9, 2014 at 11:44:19 AM by janice house
The last two nights the whip-poor-wills have
been calling, Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Painted Skimmer
Posted on June 9, 2014 at 11:33:58 AM by Peter Mills
Hi All,
I was very excited to find a Painted Skimmer
yesterday (June 8) in a beaver meadow at the beginning of the Mizzy Lake Trail
in Algonquin Park. This is the second park record for this species--one that is
typically found much farther south but has made a big incursion into Ontario
this spring. photo
American Copper and
American Emerald
Posted on June 8, 2014 at 08:14:20 PM by Barbara Taylor
Yesterday I came across this very striking
American Copper butterfly. (Bracebridge) photo
Today there were a few American Emerald dragonflies by cell 4 at the Ponds...this one rested just long enough for a photo.(Bracebridge) photo
Gibson River Provincial
Nature Reserve
Posted on June 8, 2014 at 04:06:20 PM by George Bryant
Yesterday we explored the western edge of this
superb area. We discovered Pickerel Frog (first I've seen in Muskoka), Roadside
Skipper (fresh), Brown Thrasher nest on the ground under a fallen ATV trail
sign (I did not know they occasionally nested on the ground), Moose tracks.
Access is Co. Rd. 33, east from Hwy 400 Interchange 144 to the parking lot at
the end. Walk 300 metres on the ATV trail to the power transmission corridor.
Chimney Swifts in
Magnetawan
Posted on June 8, 2014 at 03:47:14 PM by Alex Mills
Four Chimney Swifts over the Village of
Magnetawan on Saturday, June 7th. One appeared to go down a chimney.
Re(1): Dunlin -
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on June 9, 2014 at 03:03:33 PM by Barbara Taylor
The lone Dunlin was still at the south end of
cell 2 late this morning.
Dunlin -
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on June 8, 2014 at 01:45:55 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there was
a Dunlin at the south end of cell 2. A female Hooded Merganser had two young with
her in cell 1. There were also four female Wood Ducks with several tiny
ducklings in cell 1. photo
Help locating
Dragon's mouth orchid
Posted on June 8, 2014 at 10:06:38 AM by michaellynch
I have been trying to find this orchid locally.
It is usually found in the same location as grass-pinks and rose pogonia. I
have found both of these orchids in Algonquin Park on the Mizie Lake trail.
Anyone know of this in Huntsville or Bracebridge area or even farther out?
Today on S. Monck
Drive, Muskoka
Posted on June 7, 2014 at 06:17:19 PM by michaelhatton
Today on S. Monck Drive, Muskoka … but where is
the Brewsters?
Chimney Swift
Bracebridge
Posted on June 6, 2014 at 02:26:23 PM by janice house
I heard a swift at lunch today, flying over
downtown at Manitoba St and Taylor Rd
Re(1): Algonquin
Park Dragonfly and Damselfly Count—July 2nd 2014
Posted on June 3, 2014 at 11:27:36 AM by Peter Mills
And, for good measure, here are photos of an
Ebony Boghaunter (one of at least 5) and a Subarctic Bluet found on June 1st, both
somewhat specialty species to the Park and surrounding area.
Algonquin Park
Dragonfly and Damselfly Count—July 2nd 2014
Posted on June 3, 2014 at 11:25:55 AM by Peter Mills
Hello Fellow Dragon and Damsel Hunters,
This year's Algonquin Park Odonate Count is
taking place on July 2nd, the day following the Butterfly Count. (bulletin)
For those of you new to Insect Counts, the
day's event will consist of dividing participants into smaller sub-groups, each
of which will be assigned a portion of a large circle drawn over the area that
covers Algonquin's "Highway 60 corridor", the most accessible part of
the Park. Within these ‘sub-areas’ of the count-circle, you and your group
members will be tasked with sampling the number of species AND the number of
individuals of each species seen in your area. IDs can be made merely by seeing
certain species (those that are distinctive enough to allow
on-the-wing-identification), or by capture via net and in-hand identification.
On the morning of the 2nd, we will meet in the
Visitor Centre board room downstairs. Though normally off-limits to the public
and for employees only, you will find that the Service Entrance (adjacent to
the Main Public Entrance, up a small driveway) will be open, and there will be
signage to direct you downstairs to the meeting place. We will meet here at
8:45 AM. After a quick briefing by me, some final groupings, and a time to
answer any questions you may have, we will split up and head into our assigned
areas, returning to the Visitor Centre board room for 4:30 PM, at which time we
will tally our results and share our findings. It is at this point that any noteworthy,
new-to-the-count, or difficult-to-identify species are likely to be present in
envelopes for all to see and deliberate over. Otherwise, all dragons and
damsels caught over the day will be released, alive, where they were captured
after being identified.
You will need a vehicle pass for your vehicle
if you are bringing one. These can be picked up at THE VISITOR CENTRE the
morning of (you will be given a free courtesy pass for the day's event).
If you are interested in being a part of this
year's Dragonfly and Damselfly Count you can contact me by email at
peter.b.mills@hotmail.com, or (preferably) by phone at the Algonquin Visitor
Centre (613-637-2828) and asking for me by name. I simply need to know your
name and whether or not there are other participants who are coming with you,
and with whom you would like to be grouped for the day (if anyone).
This count offers a great experience to see
Algonquin, meet new people, and a chance for those interested in Dragons and
Damsels to broaden their Odonate-repertoire. We often have an excellent suite
of species. If you don't feel you are a Dragonfly/Damselfly expert do not
worry! There are always many beginners at each count; we like to have you
along, and we will ensure you are with a friendly and knowledgeable partner who
is familiar with this group of insects and the Park as well.
One last thing: you will enjoy your day much
more if you have a net to capture Dragons and Damsels with! Any net is good,
though one with a deep bag is best. There are likely a few here we can loan
out, and there are also some for sale in our book store which will be open that
morning.
That's all for now and please contact me if you
have questions,
Peter Mills
Park Naturalist
Re(3): ANOTHER
strange woodpecker
Posted on June 8, 2014 at 09:06:20 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
I believe that adults get these stains going in
and out of nest holes. I have seen several recently with the same type of
staining.
Re(2): ANOTHER strange
woodpecker
Posted on June 7, 2014 at 07:50:20 PM by Barbara Taylor
Possibly just some tree tannin stains?
Re(1): ANOTHER
strange woodpecker
Posted on June 6, 2014 at 12:28:55 PM by michaelhatton
These photos seem to suggest this Hairy visited
a particularly bad tanning salon? It is currently demolishing a lateral branch
in an oak tree fifty feet from the west shore of Leonard Lake in Muskoka,
perhaps on its way to starting a nest cavity which I don't think will be
completed. The site would be handy, though busy, in that a feeder is only a few
feet distant! Its call is clearly most like the Hairy's strong "peek"
versus the Downy's softer "kweek", and much different that the YBS.
It almost seems to have some of the Southern Hairy Woodpecker "look"
(Picoides villosus audubonii) or am I way off track?
Re(2): strange
woodpecker
Posted on June 3, 2014 at 12:28:22 PM by Peter
thanks for your explanation
Peter
Re(1): strange
woodpecker
Posted on June 3, 2014 at 08:29:02 AM by Ron Tozer
Doug Tozer, who did his doctoral research on
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in Algonquin Park, noted the following concerning
this bird: This appears to me to be a typical "black-capped" female
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Depending on the population, about 5-15% of female
Yellow-bellieds lack a red cap or have some mix of red and black on the cap.
The situation is confusing because most field guides do not mention that
females can lack red caps.
Re(2): strange
woodpecker
Posted on June 3, 2014 at 06:53:59 AM by Peter
Thank you,
we saw the bird right at our feeder in
Fraserburg
Re(1): strange
woodpecker
Posted on June 2, 2014 at 05:43:09 PM by Goodyear
It looks like an adult female Yellow-Bellied
Sapsucker with a black crown. According to Sibley (second edition pg 313) they
are seen occasionally. Great photos. Where did you see it?
strange woodpecker
Posted on June 2, 2014 at 04:43:33 PM by Peter
Question: can a hairy woodpecker and a yellow
bellied sapsucker interbreed?
We saw now this bird for the third time and it
has some features from a sapsucker(like some yellow on the breast and the white
bars on the wing) and some from a hairy woodpecker.And it doesn't look like a
juvenile. Look at this pictures and please let me know what kind of
woodpecker that is, thank you. photo
photo2 photo3
Re(1): Bluebird and
fox kits
Posted on June 5, 2014 at 00:36:48 AM by LesleeTassie
Wonderful pictures Carol. We had a mama fox and
her kits playing in our yard right beside our house a couple of summers ago.
They are absolutely delightful to watch aren't they. Mama would laze in the sun
while her little ones romped around. So sweet. I hope you get to enjoy a few
more good sightings of them.
Re(1): Bluebird and
fox kits
Posted on June 4, 2014 at 10:35:30 AM by Carol Wagg
I hope this works...
The foxes returned for another playtime
yesterday. I took a short video and posted to YouTube. We were surprised that
there was a fourth one this time. Do they not all emerge from the den at the
same time? We have seen them several times but never more than the three little
ones.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySqUqcIudjk
fox video
Bluebird and fox
kits
Posted on June 2, 2014 at 10:59:24 AM by Carol Wagg
Yesterday was a good day for enjoying the back
yard, and our visitors seemed to enjoy it too.
There was an adult fox and these three
youngsters, playing and lounging over a couple of hours. photo
The bluebird sang and sang. He showed the real
estate to a prospective mate, but they are still negotiating. He is singing
even louder today, but she is nowhere in sight. photo
(Doe Lake Rd. Gravenhurst)
Phoebe with a snack
Posted on June 1, 2014 at 05:40:24 PM by michaelhatton
photo1
photo2 photo3
Upland Sandpiper
earlier today @ Carden Alvar
Posted on June 1, 2014 at 05:22:30 PM by michaelhatton
From a considerable distance .... photo
Juvenal's Duskywing
Posted on May 31, 2014 at 02:47:25 PM by Barbara Taylor
This Juvenal's Duskywing butterfly actually sat
still long enough for me to get a nice photograph...but just one. The
glassy spots really stand out in the filtered light at the edge of the
woods. There was a Green Heron and a Belted Kingfisher at the marsh this
morning too. photo
(this morning near Henry Marsh, Bracebridge)
Re(1): Porcupine -
photos
Posted on May 30, 2014 at 02:20:23 PM by dinnymccraney
fantastic pictures! Hope he isn't headed in our
direction!!
Porcupine - photos
Posted on May 30, 2014 at 01:37:23 PM by Barbara Taylor
We just had this Porcupine wander through our
yard. As I edged closer for a better photograph, the quills were raised higher and
higher. Eventually it decided to climb a tree, but came down soon after I left,
and has since disappeared. (Bracebridge) photo1
photo2
photo3
photo4
Birdathon List?
Posted on May 29, 2014 at 02:55:13 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Will the list of birds seen on the Birdathon be
posted soon?
Birding in June?
Posted on May 28, 2014 at 07:58:53 PM by DianeCavaness
I'm a birder from the west coast of the U.S.
who has enjoyed following your board all winter. Now, finally, I will be coming
to Muskoka to enjoy your lakes and woods and find your beautiful birds! I'll be
staying at Oxtongue Lake with my husband from June 13 through the 23rd. I would
love to find someone to join me in a morning or two of birding, anywhere from
Bracebridge to Algonquin Park.
Thank you!
Diane Cavaness
Brookings, Oregon
Indigo Bunting
Posted on May 28, 2014 at 05:46:31 PM by J. Gardner
Had a lovely Indigo Bunting male caught in the greenhouse
today. Rescue!. Why is it that the rare birds enter the greenhouse and get
caught, and Starlings and Redwings never go in there? J.Gardner Hurdville
Indian Cucumber
Root
Posted on May 27, 2014 at 10:03:38 PM by Barbara Taylor
Today I found a nice stand of Indian Cucumber
Root along the Covered Bridge trail in Bracebridge. There were also Bluebead
Lily, False Solomon's Seal, and Canada Mayflower in the same area, but none
were in bloom yet. photo1
photo2
photo3
references:
http://ontariowildflowers.com/main/species.php?id=73
http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/medeolavirg.html
Indigo Bunting
photo (and other members of today's chain gang)
Posted on May 27, 2014 at 06:21:52 PM by michaelhatton
Today was the first time I've seen an Indigo
Bunting close to the living space at Leonard lake. Hopefully, the bird will
stay for the summer. The other birds seemed to want to keep an eye on the
newcomer. photo1 photo2 photo3
Re(1): Sandhill
Cranes
Posted on May 31, 2014 at 11:13:42 AM by DBurton
In order to be migrants they would have to have
had a nest failure and are returning south early. They usually form small
flocks in August during fall migration. I used to see the flocks in the Sault
Ste Marie area looking for food in hay fields in August.
Sandhill Cranes
Posted on May 27, 2014 at 08:35:21 AM by Goodyear
This morning two Sandhill Cranes were calling
from what sounded like the Sparrow Field area at the end of Covered Bridge Road
(we could hear them from our house across the creek in Meadow Heights). This
was the second time in the last few days that we have heard them calling from
this area. Migrants or local birds?
Veery and American
Redstarts
Posted on May 26, 2014 at 02:48:42 PM by DinnyNimmo
Today we spotted a veery and a pair of American
Redstarts on Medora Lake Road Bala.
Re(1): millipede,
or centipede...multipede of some sort
Posted on May 26, 2014 at 11:04:51 AM by JohnDouglas
Sigmoria trimaculata?
Re(1): millipede,
or centipede...multipede of some sort
Posted on May 26, 2014 at 09:53:58 AM by John Challis
Gayle and I also saw a pair of red-headed
woodpeckers, same area. They appeared to be busy around a nesting site -- we're
hoping.
millipede, or
centipede...multipede of some sort
Posted on May 26, 2014 at 09:51:32 AM by John Challis
I'm just going to be lazy and post this photo
rather than looking it up. This brilliant little guy was about 35-40mm long.
What look like white half-moons mid-body were bleached out by the flash;
they're actually yellow, the same as the rest. Can someone ID it? photo
Seen in a Simcoe County Forest north of
Division Road, west of Fairgrounds Road (Woods Tract).
Re(1): Henry's
Elfin?
Posted on May 25, 2014 at 10:45:16 PM by Al Sinclair
Right! Henry's Elfin. Good find! I have only
seen one before, May 9, 2001 in my back yard. Here's the photo I took of it
nectaring on hobblebush. photo
Henry's Elfin?
Posted on May 25, 2014 at 06:18:59 PM by Barbara Taylor
Is this little butterfly a Henry's Elfin? I've
never seen one before. I photographed it May 18 along the trail that runs
between Douglas Dr. and Wilson's Falls in Bracebridge. photo
Canadian Tiger
Swallowtail
Posted on May 25, 2014 at 03:46:06 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon a Canadian Tiger Swallowtail butterfly flew through our yard...first
one we've seen this year. (Bracebridge)
Re(2): Veery easy
to see these at Taboo this morning
Posted on June 4, 2014 at 09:14:36 PM by sandie18
I was wondering if you could tell me where
abouts this location is. I'm from Ajax but have a cottage up near Gravenhurst
and have only started birding so I'm not to familiar with locations to visit.
Thank you
What else was seen.
Posted on May 31, 2014 at 06:26:59 PM by michaelhatton
My list of "got a good look at the
identifying characteristics" only numbered 14. The "aural"
birders did much much better. My list included several Red Eyed Vireos, many
Eastern Kingbirds, and then the regular suspects - Redstarts, Chestnut Sided
Warblers, Indigo Bunting, Common Yellow Throat, Y. B. Sapsucker, Black Throated
Blues, several Scarlet Tanagers (very good looks), and resident Pewees. The
"watching" went from about 7 a.m. till 10ish. So it seemed like a
short day. The area is spectacular, especially the ponds and marshy areas, and
the mountain bikers were not as bothersome as might be expected. Tomorrow is
the trip to Carden Alvar, starting at Kirkfield.
Re(1): Veery easy
to see these at Taboo this morning
Posted on May 30, 2014 at 06:34:37 AM by janice house
Michael, besides the Veery's did you see a lot
birds?
Veery easy to see
these at Taboo this morning
Posted on May 25, 2014 at 03:00:06 PM by michaelhatton
At least three or four posing at different
places along the trails at Taboo this morning.
MFN Birdathon Team
Photo 2014
Posted on May 25, 2014 at 02:35:09 PM by michaelhatton
photo
Baltimore Oriole
Posted on May 25, 2014 at 09:14:53 AM by janice house
We just had an oriole at our finch seed feeder,
Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Re(1): Mourning
Warbler
Posted on May 29, 2014 at 03:03:18 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Two pictures of the Mourning Warbler taken
Wednesday morning.
His favourite perch - photo
My favourite perch for him - photo
Re(1): Mourning
Warbler
Posted on May 25, 2014 at 11:48:15 AM by Barbara Taylor
The Mourning Warbler was near the Lagoon Lane
deadend again this morning. He was singing, but it was still very difficult to
find him amidst the leafy shadows.
Re(1): Mourning
Warbler
Posted on May 26, 2014 at 09:37:45 AM by John Challis
I used to hear them occasionally in that area
when I worked on E.P. Lee Drive. Following lagoon 3 counterclockwise, the alder
scrub on the right (behind the businesses), often had a neat collection of
warblers. We also had one that hung out on Rocksborough Road, about halfway
down.
Mourning Warbler
Posted on May 24, 2014 at 11:13:31 AM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there was
a Mourning Warbler singing near the Lagoon Lane gate. It was moving west along
the strip of woods up behind the treatment plant.
Nighthawk
Posted on May 24, 2014 at 00:53:31 AM by DBurton
Tonight at Home Depot/ Tim Hortons in
Bracebridge, one Nighthawk heard.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: May 22
Posted on May 23, 2014 at 07:53:18 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Lev Frid
on ONTBIRDS (May 22, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Hello birders,
Many of the breeding birds are now back in
Algonquin Park and the small
incursion of birders on the weekend has helped
us to detect them. New
arrivals this week included Canada Warbler,
Tennessee Warbler, Swainson's
Thrush, Veery, Red-eyed Vireo, Gray Catbird and
Chimney Swift.
The best places to look for spring migrant
warblers have been the north end
of the Mizzy Lake Trail and the Old Airfield,
accessed via the Mew Lake
Campground road. Perhaps due to the increase of
budworm in the boreal
forest to the north of us, we have been seeing
higher than average numbers
of Cape May Warblers, and singing males in a
variety of locations have
provided great studies and photo ops of this
beautiful warbler. There has
been a handful at the north end of Mizzy Lake
Trail every day this week.
Overnight rain last night made for good
waterfowl conditions and
Long-tailed Ducks, White-winged Scoters and
Red-breasted Mergansers were
seen this morning at Lake of Two Rivers.
Long-tailed Ducks were also heard
migrating overhead on several nights this week.
Evening Grosbeaks continue to be seen,
especially picking grit off of car
tires at the Visitor Centre, and two Northern
Saw-whet Owls were still
calling at Km 20 last night.
Two vocalizing Red-necked Grebes were seen on
Lake Travers on the East Side
on the 18th, and a silent Northern Mockingbird
was present at the airfield
only briefly on the evening of the 16th.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: A male was seen at the Spruce
Bog Boardwalk on the 21st -
likely the same bird that has been seen there
and and off this week. There
is/was a dispersed lek of up to three males at
West Rose Lake on the Mizzy
Lake Trail and birds were seen there most of
the week as well.
Gray Jay: These are now attending young and are
quite shy. Last night
(21st) there was a pair at Wolf Howl Pond on
the Mizzy Lake Trail that were
carting around three fledglings. There were six
birds seen along that
stretch of the Mizzy Lake Trail on the 20th.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One female was seen at
Wolf Howl Pond on the 20th.
Boreal Chickadee: These are now mostly silent,
and difficult to detect. One
was seen at West Rose Lake on the 19th, but it
was quiet.
MAMMALS:
Moose are now common along the highway,
especially in the morning, so take
caution and make sure to pull all the way off
the road if you are going to
observe them.
Black Bears are also starting to become
apparent along the highway.
The Visitor Centre (at km 43 of Highway 60) has
recent bird sightings and
information, plus exhibits, bookstore and
nature shop, and a restaurant.
The Visitor Centre is open 9am to 5pm daily
starting April 26, 2014. For
more information see the Algonquin Park events
calendar at
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/
Birders reporting records through eBird can
share their lists with the
Algonquin
Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). We encourage
you to do so. Or please
send us any bird sightings you've had in the
Park, even of common birds, as
they assist us in documenting Algonquin Park's
bird life.
Good Birding!
Lev Frid
Northern
Mockingbird near Dorset
Posted on May 23, 2014 at 07:13:57 PM by Al Sinclair
A probable Northern Mockingbird(Brown Thrasher
sounds similar) has been singing near the Dorset Environmental Centre since
last week. Yesterday Chuck Brady finally saw the bird and confirmed the
identification. It was seen off Hwy 117 on Bellwood Acres Rd between the
Environmental Centre entrance and the bridge across Paint Lk.
Huntsville Nature
Club Meeting, Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Posted on May 23, 2014 at 10:34:40 AM by BevEaston
On Tuesday, May 27, the Huntsville Nature Club
will present a talk by
researcher Patrick Moldowan describing the Bat
Lake Inventory of Spotted
Salamanders, in Algonquin Park. The project
seeks to better
understand the sensitivity of this salamander
to environmental change.
Climate warming may be causing changes in its
reproductive timing, with
currently unknown effects on population health.
The meeting is at St. Andrews Presbyterian
Church Hall on West Street at 7 pm. Guests are
always welcome. A $3 donation is appreciated.
Clay-colored
Sparrow
Posted on May 22, 2014 at 08:07:41 PM by Goodyear
This evening we found a Clay-colored Sparrow at
the south end of cell 1 at the Bracebridge Lagoons. Hope it sticks around for
the Birdathon this Saturday!
Better bunting pics
Posted on May 22, 2014 at 11:56:11 AM by JohnDouglas
Scarlet tanager
Posted on May 22, 2014 at 09:09:55 AM by JohnDouglas
Scarlet tanager, chestnut-sided warblers and
redstarts at 3 Mile Lake today. photo
yellow -throated
vireo
Posted on May 22, 2014 at 07:43:54 AM by John Challis
We've had a yellow-throated vireo singing in
the neighborhood for several days now. Had a good look at him this morning at
the top of an oak.
Eagle Sightings
Posted on May 21, 2014 at 10:45:14 AM by Trigpoint
Lake Vernon:
Has anyone seen Eagle sightings on Lake Vernon.
If so, what kind and when?
Re(1): Barred Owl
at nest
Posted on June 1, 2014 at 06:04:21 PM by Terry & Marion Whittam
Very nice photo's. Great work!
Re(3): Barred Owl
at nest
Posted on May 21, 2014 at 06:38:12 AM by Debbie Adams
Ditto on the WOW!! and Wicked!.
Thanks for sharing these amazing photos.
Re(1): Barred Owl
at nest
Posted on May 20, 2014 at 09:43:13 PM by coreyhkh
Wicked
Re(2): Barred Owl
at nest
Posted on May 20, 2014 at 10:08:45 PM by dinnymccraney
WOW!!
Re(1): Barred Owl
at nest
Posted on May 20, 2014 at 05:59:37 PM by Al Sinclair
Amazing photos. Thanks for posting them.
Barred Owl at nest
Posted on May 20, 2014 at 03:14:10 PM by Peter Mills
On May 8th I was lucky enough to find an active
Barred Owl nest with my sister Sylvia outside of Magnetawan. There is a breeding
pair here essentially every year (as alluded by the presence of parents and
young fledglings that are easy to find in mid-to late-summer), but up until now
I was never able to locate the nest itself.
This is one adult roosting nearby: photo
The nest is about 50 feet up a large, dead sugar maple stump in a wet sugar maple and ash forest. The nest itself is a yawning cavity right near the summit of the tree. It is "northwest" of centre in the image below: photo
Using a pulley system, we were able to lift a motion-activated camera to within about fifteen feet of the hole's opening. So, for about a week and a half, we've been able to keep tabs on the nest and its inhabitants. Some evenings, sitting quietly in lawn chairs carried out into the woods, we have observed the adults coming and going with food. They do not seem to mind our presence in the slightest.
Here you can see the nest cavity (at left) and the camera suspended by rope (at right): photo
...and this is its view: photo
This camera can take nighttime pictures with an invisible infrared flash, but it doesn't seem to be working (or the nest is too far and the movements of the owl so quick that it cannot capture images). Either way, there are some excellent images of the adults visiting the cavity: photo photo2
Hard to say what the food item here is (maybe a Hairy-tailed Mole?): photo
It
was a surprise to me to see that the adults were bringing mostly earthworms
back for the three young to eat. More recently with the babies growing larger
and larger (one looks nearly full grown already!) they have been bringing back
what looks mostly like shrews.
Here are the youngsters (taken with a handheld
camera from the forest floor): photo
photo2
The
bottommost bird is certainly what you would call a runt, and he is only about
half the size of the largest chick. That he will survive seems unlikely, but
such is how it goes.
The camera continues its work, so perhaps more
to come later!
least sandpiper
Posted on May 20, 2014 at 08:58:17 AM by Peter
I saw this tiny bird and his companion
yesterday on some mud flats in Echo Creek. He/she wasn't timid at all and I
could observe this bird for a long time. photo photo2
Northern Shovelers,
Indigo Buntings
Posted on May 19, 2014 at 02:24:21 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there
were three Northern Shovelers in cell 2 (1M, 2F). Just outside of the Lagoon
Lane gate there were three Indigo Buntings (2M, 1F). A male Northern Harrier
flew low west of cell 4 and later a female was flying north of cell 4.
Re(1): Eastern Pine
Elfin
Posted on May 27, 2014 at 07:08:05 PM by Barbara Taylor
A female Eastern Pine Elfin visited our garden
this afternoon. (Bracebridge) photo
Re(1): Eastern Pine
Elfin
Posted on May 22, 2014 at 10:56:33 PM by WalterFisher
The following is an extract from Jeffrey Glassberg's
'Buttterflies through Binoculars' (ISBN 0-19-510668-7) under the section on
Gossamer-wings (Coppers, Hairstreaks, Blues, and Harvester) page 69:
"Many species have an eye-spot near the
outer angle of the HW below that tends to attract the attention of predators to
the wrong end of the butterfly. The subterfuge is usually enhanced by tails
that resemble antennas. When the hairstreak lands with it's head facing
downward and it's tails move in the air as it "saws" it's HWs back
and forth, the effect is complete." "...it is not unusual to find
individuals who have sacrificed the missing portions of their HWs to
birds."
Hope this answers your question.
Walter
Eastern Pine Elfin
Posted on May 19, 2014 at 02:05:37 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning we found an Eastern Pine Elfin on
a Trout Lily bloom. The butterfly was rubbing its hindwings together -
why do they do that, perhaps a way to send out pheromones? (Bracebridge)
(Didn't have my camera, so best I could do with a "primitive" phone camera.) photo
Ovenbird
Posted on May 18, 2014 at 09:08:11 PM by MyronFrost
Again,Macey Bay along with black throated
green. Bobolink Matchedash.
Red-headed
woodpecker
Posted on May 18, 2014 at 09:02:51 PM by MyronFrost
What a thrill.....first time I've seen one
since I was a youngster. Macey Bay area. Also Scarlet Tanager , chestnut -sided
warbler, American Redstart, black and white warbler, Common Yellowthroat,
Yellow Warbler and of course Yellow- rumped, Sandhill Crane.
American Redstart
Posted on May 18, 2014 at 06:25:48 PM by Ksmith
Several American Redstarts and Purple Finches,
male and female on Hood Road south of Huntsville north of Port Sydney
feeding Chimney
Swifts
Posted on May 18, 2014 at 08:19:37 AM by ChrisKerrigan
On a drive to Parry Sound yesterday,
approximately 2km west of Sprucedale on Hwy 518 west, a large concentration of Chimney
Swifts were feeding busily over a wetland chain. We estimated that the number
of birds would be in the range of at least 75 to 100 plus! The time of day was
2:15pm, partly sunny and a cool breeze...wonder if a huge hatch of insects
attracted these birds....generally see them in Huntsville in the
evening...incredible!
Northern
Waterthrush, Winter Wren
Posted on May 17, 2014 at 03:01:57 PM by DBurton
From Segwun Blvd in Gravenhurst I can hear
Winter Wren and Northern Waterthrush singing today on the fire college
property. Northern Waterthrush have never been there before that I know of.
Cliff Swallow
Posted on May 17, 2014 at 12:17:37 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there was
at least one Cliff Swallow along with many Bank, Barn, and Tree Swallows. They
were flying low at the west end of cell 3 where there was less wind. There were
also 5 Eastern Kingbirds, 3 Baltimore Orioles, and a male Scarlet Tanager in
the area. A Least Sandpiper was at the SE corner of cell 3. An Osprey was
hovering over cell 4 and a Merlin was near the Lagoon Lane gate.
Re(1): Olive-sided
and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers
Posted on May 18, 2014 at 06:46:33 AM by Goodyear
We also had a "Brewster's" Warbler -
cross between Golden and Blue-winged Warbler. The bird had a yellow cap, black
eyeline, black throat, a samll wash of yellow below the throat, and a
white/grey breast. It was seen in the same area.
Olive-sided and
Yellow-bellied Flycatchers
Posted on May 17, 2014 at 11:16:02 AM by Goodyear
This morning there was a Yellow-bellied
Flycatcher and an Olive-sided Flycatcher near the thicket swamp on South Monck
Drive just north of Crawford Road. Lots of warblers, including Canada, Northern
Parula, and Tennessees. (Bracebridge)
Great Crested
Flycatcher & Black throated Green warbler
Posted on May 15, 2014 at 07:03:08 PM by DinnyNimmo
Our favourite resident song birds announced
their arrival this morning in our back yard . It was wonderful to hear both
within a short period of time. The barred owl was calling last night outside
our bedroom window. (Bala)
Re(1): Algonquin
Park
Posted on May 15, 2014 at 03:43:27 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Linda
Hollinshead on ONTBIRDS (May 15, 2014) and is provided here with the kind
permission of the Ontario Field
Ornithologists.
Hello Birders:
On Sunday, May 11th., while walking early in
the morning on the Missy Lake Trail, east end of Wolf Howl Pond, we spotted a
Mocking bird flying down to get seed that a photographer had put out. We
spotted this bird both coming and going on the trail. I have never seen a
Mocking Bird in Algonquin area before.
Also while on the same trail further down was a
female Spruce Grouse with a male that was very aggressive and displaying. Very
interesting behaviour.
Linda Hollinshead
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 15 May
Posted on May 15, 2014 at 03:40:50 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Lev Frid
on ONTBIRDS (May 15, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Hello birders,
Lakes have opened up in Algonquin Park and all
but the most shaded areas
are free of snow. Winds from the south have
facilitated the arrival of
several new spring migrants, including
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet
Tanager, Indigo Bunting, and 15 warbler
species, all now with singing males
on territories, with the exception of
Orange-crowned, which was a rare
spring passage migrant on the 13th. Leaf out
has barely started so it is
easy and rewarding to observe these birds on
territory while the bugs
aren't bad yet. Olive-sided Flycatcher and
Cedar Waxwing were decidedly
early this week.
Two Brown Thrashers were at the Old Airfield at
Lake of Two Rivers on the
12th, an increasingly rare bird for Algonquin
Park.
When it rains overnight, ducks migrating over
Algonquin's nutrient-poor
lakes are often forced down, and cold and wet
birders may observe them on
large water bodies such as Lake of Two Rivers.
On the 14th, present there
were White-winged Scoter, Lesser Scaup,
Long-tailed Duck, Ruddy Duck (only
the second park record if accepted) and a
Bonaparte's Gull. Unfortunately
they only stop for a few hours before
continuing north, and nothing was
present this morning. A large flock of
White-winged Scoter was also present
on the 14th at Grand Lake on the Park's East
Side.
Evening Grosbeaks continue to be seen
throughout the highway, frequently in
pairs and taking sand from the tires of cars in
the Visitor Centre parking
lot in the morning. Red Crossbills were heard overhead
Kearney Campground
on the 12th and Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the
13th. White-winged Crossbills
were heard at West Rose Lake on the 13th as
well.
Northern Saw-whet Owls are still vocal and can
be heard at a variety of
spots mostly west of Km 20, where one was heard
last night.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: A male has been seen on and off
this week on the Spruce Bog
Boardwalk, mostly in the mornings. A female was
flushed from there this
afternoon.
Gray Jay: These are now attending young and are
quite shy. Two birds were
at the Arowhon Crossroads yesterday, and two
more at West Rose Lake on the
same day.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One female was seen on
the Logging Museum trail on
the 13th, and one was at West Rose Lake
yesterday.
Boreal Chickadee: None have been reported this
week, but they are out
there. Check the north end of the Mizzy Lake
Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk
and Opeongo Road.
MAMMALS:
Moose are now common along the highway,
especially in the morning, so take
caution and make sure to pull all the way off
the road if you are going to
observe them.
Otters were seen on West Rose Lake yesterday.
The Visitor Centre (at km 43 of Highway 60) has
recent bird sightings and
information, plus exhibits, bookstore and nature
shop, and a restaurant.
The Visitor Centre is open 9am to 5pm daily
starting April 26, 2014. For
more information see the Algonquin Park events
calendar at
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/
Birders reporting records through eBird can
share their lists with the
Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds).
We encourage you to do
so. Or please send us any bird sightings you've
had in the Park, even of
common birds, as they assist us in documenting
Algonquin Park's bird life.
Good Birding!
Lev Frid
Algonquin Park, Ontario
Re(1): First Gray
Treefrog of the year?
Posted on May 16, 2014 at 07:45:02 PM by DBurton
I also heard one yesterday morning in
Bracebridge
First Gray Treefrog
of the year?
Posted on May 15, 2014 at 12:15:42 PM by Alex Mills
Yesterday near the French River, I heard my
first Gray Treefrog of the year. The trees (i.e. leaf bud) are much further
behind there than in Muskoka.
veery, yellow
throated vireo
Posted on May 14, 2014 at 11:17:40 PM by John Challis
Heard a veery singing this morning behind the
house (Washago). It was at it again at dusk. Two days ago a yellow throated
vireo was singing, but must have moved on.
Re(1): Female Pine
Warbler Collecting
Posted on May 15, 2014 at 09:30:30 AM by Barbara Taylor
This morning a female Pine Warbler was
collecting nesting material in our back yard, but unfortunately flew to a
distant pine tree so I couldn't see where the nest is being constructed. She
came back and seemed to be picking insects out of a spider web, but perhaps she
was gathering bits of the web itself. (Bracebridge)
excerpt from http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/pine_warbler/lifehistory:
The female gathers most of the nest material,
including grass, plant stems and fibers, bark strips, pine needles, twigs, and
fine roots, binding them together with spider or caterpillar silk and lining
the nest with feathers, hair, and plant down. In good weather she can finish
the nest and begin laying eggs in 14 days. The male often escorts the female as
she gathers materials, and occasionally helps build.
Female Yellow
Rumped Warbler Collecting
Posted on May 14, 2014 at 02:52:42 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Watched at female Yellow Rumped Warbler collecting
nesting material about noon today.
Only a female hummingbird seen so far.
I think the loons have left my lake to find a
nest site not under water. My neighbour has sandbagged the beaver dam so the
lake level is the highest it has ever been. (Bala)
Re(1): Harrier,
Bay-breasted Warblers
Posted on May 15, 2014 at 01:50:07 PM by Barbara Taylor
Don Bailey reports there were a lot of warblers
and other birds this morning along South Monck Dr. by Crawford Rd. Of note they
had two male Bay-breasted Warblers and saw a female Northern Harrier flying low
over the nearby fields. (Bracebridge)
directions: see google map - crawford rd.
Common Nighthawk
Posted on May 14, 2014 at 01:22:00 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning by the McCrank's farm on South
Monck Dr. there was a Common Nighthawk and some Bobolinks. South Monck Dr. was
closed to traffic by the snowplow turnaround just north of Crawford Rd. This is
a great area since the habitat is so diverse - fields, forest, and wetland.
Several birds were in the vicinity, including Canada, Magnolia, Black-throated
Green, Nashville, Chestnut-sided, and Yellow Warblers, American Redstart,
Common Yellowthroat, Ovenbirds, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, a very vocal Gray
Catbird, Swamp Sparrows, and Brown Thrashers. A Merlin was perched in a tree by
the Muskoka Highlands golf course where there were several Tree Swallows flying
about. (Bracebridge)
Bala Birds
Posted on May 14, 2014 at 12:56:53 PM by DinnyNimmo
Just heard a rose breasted grosbeck in our
parking lot . We are on the Moon River.Also a friend in Bala by the Falls had a
couple of orioles at his feeder.
Fairy Vista Trail
Posted on May 13, 2014 at 06:27:25 PM by catmaclean
New arrivals today are spotted sandpiper,
Yellow Warbler and Common Yellowthroat. Saw a pair of Kestrals and a catbird.
Indigo Bunting male
& Hummers
Posted on May 13, 2014 at 02:21:52 PM by LesleeTassie
We've had a male Indigo Bunting visiting our bird
feeders today (Santa's Village Road close to where pipeline crosses river).
Have had hummingbirds for 3-4 days now.
Northern
Mockingbird
Posted on May 13, 2014 at 12:09:55 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds a
Northern Mockingbird flew up from the woods north of cell 4. It perched in a
poplar tree for a while, giving me a great look, but then flew off to the west
and I couldn't relocate it. This species is considered very rare in Muskoka and
I think it may be a new one for the Bracebridge Ponds checklist.
A Northern Parula was singing west of cell 2. A
Lesser Yellowlegs was in the SE corner of cell 2. Betsy Purchase also had a
Pied-billed Grebe in cell 2. Three Green Herons were north of cell 4. There was
a pair of Lesser Scaup in cell 2 and about a dozen Bufflehead in cell 4.
Ten Chimney Swifts circled overhead along with many Bank, Barn, and Tree
Swallows.
Indigo bunting
Posted on May 13, 2014 at 10:51:32 AM by JohnDouglas
Indigo bunting under the feeder on Windermere
Road. photo
Re(1): Bluebirds
Posted on May 14, 2014 at 12:21:42 PM by janice house
HI Carol, there are a pair at the old Dinsmore
farm. I saw the male again this morning sitting on the box in the paddock by
the barn
Bluebirds
Posted on May 13, 2014 at 08:39:23 AM by Carol Wagg
After a male arriving solo on May 5th there
have been no further sightings. A pair arrived this morning, scoping out the
choice of boxes. He is singing his sweet song. I love it.
Doe Lake Rd east of Gravenhurst
wood thrush
Posted on May 13, 2014 at 07:58:57 AM by John Challis
A wood thrush was in full song this morning
across the road from our house. Hermit thrush aren’t as busy around here
anymore but one was singing yesterday.
ruby throat
hummingbird
Posted on May 12, 2014 at 10:48:11 PM by mparsons
male ruby throat hummingbird at our feeder May
6
Charlie Thompson Rd Dwight
Re(2): new arrivals
today
Posted on May 13, 2014 at 07:11:31 PM by DBurton
May 5th last year for here
Re(1): new arrivals
today
Posted on May 12, 2014 at 10:18:59 PM by coreyhkh
I noticed Great crested Flycatchers and
buntings on the weekend also, it seems early for them?
new arrivals today
Posted on May 12, 2014 at 09:18:27 PM by DBurton
Great crested Flycatcher
House Wren
(Gravenhurst)
Warbling Vireo,
Bala
Posted on May 12, 2014 at 08:04:42 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
New for my yard list, a Warbling Vireo this
afternoon.
Sandhill Cranes calling this morning about 7 am
over from where they seemed to be last year. I am hoping to find out just where
they are eventually.
Re(1): Photo of the
resident Northern-Waterthrush at the ponds.
Posted on May 13, 2014 at 08:18:30 AM by michaelhatton
Great photo. I saw two at Pelee this weekend,
but not as clearly as this!
Photo of the
resident Northern-Waterthrush at the ponds.
Posted on May 12, 2014 at 07:30:56 PM by coreyhkh
I photographed him Saturday morning, other then
this guy it was pretty quiet. photo
Fisher, Harrier,
Towhee
Posted on May 12, 2014 at 01:28:26 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning we visited "the sparrow
field" which is north of the Covered Bridge subdivision in Bracebridge.
There were several White-throated Sparrows, but no Clay-colored yet. A few
Bobolinks were singing by the west fenceline. We were surprised by the number of
Nashville Warblers and Chestnut-sided Warblers in the area, many fighting over
territory. A male Northern Harrier flew low over the fields. Thanks to a Crow's
alarm call we got a good look at a Fisher as it loped along, checking around
the base of spruce trees that have grown up in the field. A male Eastern Towhee
was kicking up the leaves at the edge of the woods, periodically calling so we
could locate him.
Re(1): Doe Lake Rd
Gravenhurst Birds
Posted on May 14, 2014 at 02:22:11 PM by janice house
This morning in the wooded area between the
Laycox Rd and the old Dinsmore sheep farm on Doe Lake Rd I saw a pair of
scarlet tanagers and heard a blue headed vireo, a black poll warbler and a cape
may warbler.
Doe Lake Rd
Gravenhurst Birds
Posted on May 12, 2014 at 12:08:07 PM by janice house
This morning on my first dog walk at 7am there
were lots of oven birds and northern water thrushes calling while flowing
through the neighbourhood. I also heard a black throated blue warbler, blue
headed vireo and a black poll warbler called 3 times.....did not see the bird
and went back to the spot with binocs but no luck
Harris's Sparrow -
Algonquin Provincial Park
Posted on May 11, 2014 at 08:40:09 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Dan Birkenbergs
on ONTBIRDS (May 11, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Good Evening All,
At approximately 10:30am this morning, I
observed a solitary Harris's Sparrow in a spruce tree at the southeast end of
the Old Airfield (Mew Lake Campground) in Algonquin Park.
Likely an immature male as black bib was
blotched, the bird was calling repeatedly with a similar call to the
White-throat, however only 2 notes at a time. Further the bird was noticeably
larger than a White-throat. I confirmed with a naturalist that this would be a
rarity for Algonquin.
I apologize for the late notice, but I am just
now in signal range.
Directions: Highway 60 to Algonquin Park. Mew
Lake campground is approx. Km 30. Follow road in to campground, Old Airfield
parking lot less than 1 km in on left (follow signs). By foot follow Old
Railway Bike Trail (signs posted) to SE end of airfield. Permit required.
Cheers!
Dan
Canada Warbler and
more
Posted on May 11, 2014 at 02:31:03 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning along the Henry Marsh trail there
were three Orange-crowned Warblers, American Redstart, Magnolia,
Black-and-white, Nashville, Pine, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Green, Yellow,
Yellow-rumped, Common Yellowthroat, and Ovenbirds. A short distance east of the
marsh there was a nice male Canada Warbler and four Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. At
the Bracebridge Ponds the warblers were mostly west of cells 2 and 3 - of note
there was a Tennessee Warbler, and Palm Warblers. Unfortunately we missed the
Cape May Warbler which was seen by Janice House and Don & Bev Bailey. A
Northern Waterthrush was singing west of cell 2 and a Gray Catbird was calling
west of cell 4. A Common Green Darner flew by - first dragonfly we've
seen this year.
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)
Scarlet tanager
Posted on May 11, 2014 at 07:15:42 AM by michaellynch
Scarlet tanager, white crowned sparrows,
swainsons thrush? Turkey vultures, white throated sparrows, hummingbird,yellow
rumpled warblers. Good day. Photo of scarlet tanager to follow.
Re(2): Barred owl
Posted on May 12, 2014 at 06:50:08 AM by catmaclean
We had two by our pond last night. First time I
have ever seen two together!
Re(1): Barred owl
Posted on May 11, 2014 at 08:44:41 PM by coreyhkh
Make that two barred owls, I am pretty sure
they are permanent residents because I have seen one every Christmas day for
the last two years.
Barred owl
Posted on May 10, 2014 at 08:29:58 PM by coreyhkh
Today I went for a walk across the road from my
Dads in Gravenhurst and heard a Barred owl, and was able to call him in,
unfortunately the crows also found him.
Re(1): Spectacular
bird day
Posted on May 10, 2014 at 03:01:51 PM by dinnymccraney
2 grosbeaks and a male oriole here..I will keep
watching! Great photos!!
(Bracebridge)
Spectacular bird
day
Posted on May 10, 2014 at 02:35:15 PM by Carol Wagg
This day is unusual for several reasons. We
have never had more than one oriole (always male) stay for more than a few
moments. I put out a feeder and a cut orange yesterday and we have had at least
three males and a female coming back repeatedly all day, using the hummingbird
feeder as well.
Male and female hummers since yesterday.
Four male red-breasted grosbeaks, and one or
two females today.
Four or more white-crowned sparrows. All this
in addition to the white breasted and red breasted nuthatches, numerous
goldfinches, and "the usuals". No bluebird sightings since the
previous post, but I live in hope. (Doe Lake Rd east of
Gravenhurst) photo1
photo2
photo3
photo4
photo5
Re(1): Baltimore
Oriole
Posted on May 10, 2014 at 03:00:19 PM by dinnymccraney
There is a male at the oranges on the feeder
this afternoon! (Bracebridge)
Baltimore Oriole
Posted on May 10, 2014 at 01:50:26 PM by Debbie Adams
There is an Oriole on my Hummingbird bird
feeder. A neighbour reported she had one on her hummer feeder yesterday.
(Walker's Point)
White Crowned
Sparrows
Posted on May 10, 2014 at 10:55:25 AM by DBurton
Yesterday morning several White Crowned
Sparrows were singing here. They seemed to have moved on already. (Gravenhurst)
Marsh Wren -
Bracebridge Lagoons
Posted on May 10, 2014 at 10:45:21 AM by Goodyear
This morning we found a Marsh Wren at the south
end of cell one, foraging in some of last year's cat tails. We also found two
Cape May Warblers along the west side of cell 2.
Re(1): Hummer
Posted on May 9, 2014 at 07:11:29 PM by missyinmuskoka
I also had my first of the season!! How
exciting! (south Kahshe Lake Rd)
Hummer
Posted on May 9, 2014 at 07:07:52 PM by wilf yusek
Had my FOS hummer today, also had a Ruffed
Grouse delicing in my yard garden (Prospect Lake)
New arrivals
Posted on May 9, 2014 at 05:09:43 PM by catmaclean
New in Huntsville today …. an Ovenbird,
Black-Throated Blue, Hummingbird, Catbird and Chestnut Sided.
Re(1): mini fallout
- Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on May 9, 2014 at 10:45:22 AM by John Challis
Same in Washago - I was wondering if the birds
were surfing along the front of storms that came in from the south. Possible?
Just in 20 minutes this morning, watched
golden-winged warbler,
black-and-white female,
black-throated blue,
chestnut-sided,
common yellowthroat
and heard
ovenbird,
pine
...and two maybes: a Cape May (high, sibilant
"seet-seet-seet", not the two-syllable call of the black-and-white)
and magnolia warbler ("what up wit-you"). Make that three maybes: a
call like a rose-breasted grosbeak; again couldn't find it to confirm.
Except for the pine warbler and the mystery
birds they were all first arrivals on our street.
mini fallout -
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on May 9, 2014 at 10:01:28 AM by Barbara Taylor
Just got back from the Bracebridge Ponds...lots
of songbirds arrived overnight. Best spots were the woods west of cell 2 and by
the NW corner of cell 4. There were several Warbling Vireos, Baltimore Orioles,
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Least Flycatchers.
Warblers seen were:
Blackburnian
Black-throated Blue
Nashville
Black-and-white
Yellow
Common Yellowthroat
Yellow-rumped
Re(2):
Rose-Breasted grosbeaks
Posted on May 10, 2014 at 07:22:21 AM by janice house
A male has been here for 3 days, first female
showed up yesterday. Doe Lake Rd East of Gravenhurst
Re(1):
Rose-Breasted grosbeaks
Posted on May 9, 2014 at 07:14:01 PM by missyinmuskoka
Had my first pair today. Weren't brave enough
to visit the feeders but they were hanging around for an hour or so. (south
Kahshe Lake Rd)
Rose-Breasted
grosbeaks
Posted on May 9, 2014 at 09:38:37 AM by Carol Wagg
One male dropped by on the 5th, then a couple
of days with no sightings. A male yesterday; two males and two females have
been at the feeders all morning today.
Doe Lake Rd east of Gravenhurst
Re(1): Ruby
Throated Hummer
Posted on May 9, 2014 at 09:09:20 PM by Barbara Taylor
Don Bailey reports that a Hummingbird appeared
at their window today too. Funny how the hummers know that act will magically
produce a feeder for them. :)
(Bracebridge)
Ruby Throated
Hummer
Posted on May 9, 2014 at 09:09:57 AM by WarrenHeath
Sitting having coffee this morning looking out
at Lake Oudaze , and a Ruby Throated Humming Bird just came up to the window.
Time to hang out their feeders.
It's May 9th '14
Spring Azures
Posted on May 8, 2014 at 08:42:43 PM by Barbara Taylor
Today there were several Spring Azure butterflies
enjoying the sunshine along the trail by Henry Marsh. Yellow-rumped Warblers
were singing along the trail east of the marsh and a Merlin was calling near
the pipeline. A Blue-headed Vireo was singing at the Henry Rd. parking area.
(Bracebridge) photo
Rusty Blackbird
Posted on May 8, 2014 at 09:01:14 AM by catmaclean
Saw a Rusty Blackbird in Huntsville today and
heard a Black and White and a Rose Breasted Grosbeak.
Gadwalls -
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on May 7, 2014 at 10:08:28 PM by Barbara Taylor
This evening at the Bracebridge Ponds there was
a pair of Gadwalls in cell 2. Many of the ducks have left, but there were still
a few Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Ducks, Buffleheads, Wood Ducks, and Mallards.
Spotted sandpiper
Posted on May 7, 2014 at 09:43:45 PM by Donnermuskokabirder
Spotted sandpiper at the Bracebridge
lagoons--cell 2, 430pm.
Yellow-shafted
flicker
Posted on May 7, 2014 at 07:09:55 PM by JohnDouglas
Spotted digging in the leaves at 7pm on Three
Mile Lake.
Hawk / Crow
Posted on May 7, 2014 at 06:18:31 PM by BryanGrant
Above the ravine at Covered Bridge Trail Brace.
a hawk and crow were flying in concert with the other. Firstly,I thought the
crow was putting the run on the hawk. But the two matched each others flight
for some time. It is spring, could they have been gettin friendly?
Hummer
Posted on May 6, 2014 at 06:46:21 PM by J. Gardner
Hummer in Hurdville today. Thought they might
be later this year, but noooo... had to rush my feeder out. J. Gardner
Swallows &
Swifts
Posted on May 6, 2014 at 10:10:17 AM by janice house
Yesterday at noon 4 tree swallows were checking
out one of our bluebird boxes in the front yard. Last night around 6pm there
were 4 chimney swifts, 2 barn swallows and 4 tree swallows circling over our
yard and the farm field across from our house. They were swooping low over the
farm field, not sure what the were feeding on. Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Brown Thrasher
Posted on May 6, 2014 at 07:52:00 AM by catmaclean
Could hear a Brown Thrasher this am in Huntsville
as well as a Blue Headed Vireo and a Black Throated Green Warbler
and a bluebird
mid-afternoon
Posted on May 6, 2014 at 08:16:34 AM by Carol Wagg
(no message)
Rose breasted
Grosbeak
Posted on May 5, 2014 at 11:50:33 AM by Carol Wagg
A drop-in visitor this morning. I hope he'll be
back for the season. We had two pairs nest here last summer, for the first time
ever.
Doe Lake Rd at Doe Lake, east of Gravenhurst
downy and a
silkworm pupa
Posted on May 4, 2014 at 04:45:20 PM by John Challis
Well, you can try to help nature out, but it's
never very grateful. A downy woodpecker was happily tearing away at the
silkworm pupa Gayle rescued from down the road. We had zip-tied the case to a
sapling on our yard -- which explains the length of plastic in the picture --
but we weren't anticipating hungry visitors. Gayle shooed the woodpecker away
and now the pupa is stored in the garage -- away, one would hope, from harm.
Given the number of rotting trees in the neighbourhood, the downy should have
no trouble finding alternate meals. photo
Re(1): Pine Warbler
Posted on May 4, 2014 at 07:09:51 PM by coreyhkh
Nice shots, the one on the pine is great.
Pine Warbler
Posted on May 4, 2014 at 01:46:06 PM by missyinmuskoka
On our walk around the ponds yesterday I told
the group that a Pine Warbler was feeding from my suet feeder. I gather that if
he is hungry enough, he will continue to visit my feeder. I managed to snap a
few images to show you today. photo1
photo2 photo3
Re(1): Horned Grebe
- Bracebridge Lagoons
Posted on May 4, 2014 at 03:35:15 PM by Barbara Taylor
As of 3:15 p.m. the Horned Grebe was still in
cell 1. A Pied-billed Grebe was in cell 2. The Northern Shovelers were in cell
3. A female Common Merganser and a female Common Goldeneye were in cell 4 along
with the other species of ducks David mentioned.
Horned Grebe -
Bracebridge Lagoons
Posted on May 4, 2014 at 01:23:52 PM by Goodyear
There was a Horned Grebe in beautiful breeding
plumage in cell 1 this morning. A pair of Northern Shovelers, about 20
Green-wingd Teal, several Lesser Scaup, and many Bufflehead and Ring-necked
Ducks also present. A lone Snow Bunting was feeding along the road between
cells 1 and 2.
Re(1): American
Bittern
Posted on May 4, 2014 at 09:46:28 PM by dinnymccraney
Wonderful photo..would also make a great water
colour painting!The reflection is amazing!
American Bittern
Posted on May 3, 2014 at 10:06:47 PM by michaellynch
Henry Marsh this afternoon: photo
Painted Bunting
article
Posted on May 3, 2014 at 08:27:22 PM by Barbara Taylor
Bob Bowles has included a section in his latest
Orillia Packet and Times article about the Painted Bunting that showed up in
Huntsville on April 26. Scroll part way down the following webpage to read it: http://www.orilliapacket.com/2014/05/02/birds-head-north-as-ice-disappears
More of Lianne Atwood's photos of the bird can
be found here on the Bird Board in the original April 26 Painted Bunting post
below.
Blackburnian
Warbler
Posted on May 3, 2014 at 04:57:35 PM by Barbara Taylor
After this morning's rain ended, we ventured
out to Henry Marsh. There were many Yellow-rumped Warblers and at least one
Palm Warbler working the edge of the marsh from low perches. Several Tree and
Barn Swallows were flying low over the marsh as well.
Our best find was a gorgeous male Blackburnian
Warbler by the new beaver dam on the little creek that flows north out of Henry
Marsh. There were also Pine Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow-rumped
Warblers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and about 20 or so Ruby-crowned Kinglets. It
was quite sheltered there and the birds were staying low. The Blackburnian even
landed on mossy rocks in the middle of the creek and on the beaver dam itself
as it searched for food. As we were leaving, a Cooper's Hawk flew over to that
area, probably attracted by all the activity...hope it didn't get the
Blackburnian. The spot can be accessed by an unmarked path leading west off
Henry trail a short distance south of the parking area.
Directions: From traffic lights at Wellington
St. & Ecclestone Dr. in Bracebridge, take Beaumont Dr. along the Muskoka River
and turn left at Henry Rd.
Area Map (at upper right of map, click Satellite for
terrain, or Map for roads only)
MFN Lagoon Ramble
Posted on May 3, 2014 at 12:07:58 PM by Goodyear
This morning 11 enthusiastic and waterproof
birders walked the Bracebridge Lagoons in search of early spring migrants.
Despite the on and off rain we managed to tally 42 species, including a singing
Northern Waterthrush, Yellow Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow-rumpled
Warbler, several species of ducks, a cooperative Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and a
posing Swamp Sparrow, which was a new bird for some of the participants. Thanks
to all who came out for a fun morning.
Whippoorwill in
Bracebridge
Posted on May 2, 2014 at 08:50:21 PM by LesleeTassie
May 5, 8:30 pm. Just heard a Whippoorwill out
back of our house. We are located on Santa's Village Road just before the small
bridge at the pipeline (across from the Brobst subdivision). Also ...
there was a moose observed on Wednesday (late afternoon or early evening)
running around on Spencer and Ewing Streets in Bracebridge. We had moose tracks
in our yard the following day.
Re(1): Merlin,
House Sparrows
Posted on May 3, 2014 at 06:31:01 AM by janice house
A male house sparrow was calling from Yig's in
Gravenhurst last weekend, he was sitting in the tree by the entrance across
from the firehall
Merlin, House
Sparrows
Posted on May 2, 2014 at 06:31:31 PM by DBurton
The Merlin was back at the cemetery in Gravenhurst
today and I found at least 3 House Sparrows (where were they on count day?) at
the IDA in Gravenhurst (First Street side)
Re(1): Two more
Sandhill Cranes
Posted on May 3, 2014 at 06:12:48 PM by DinnyNimmo
Still one sandhill crane around today (
Saturday) at 12pm .
Two more Sandhill
Cranes
Posted on May 2, 2014 at 04:00:18 PM by DinnyNimmo
My friend Diana Trusler reported 2 sandhill
cranes on the Beaver Run Golf Course on the Moon River Rd in Bala. She saw them
1pm on April 29th and again at 2pm today Friday May 2nd. Dinny
Sandhill crane
Posted on May 2, 2014 at 03:54:52 PM by GayleCarlyle
Saw a lone sandhill crane this afternoon on
McArthur Sdrd. in Washago. Appears to be hanging around this field a lot.
American Wigeon
Posted on May 2, 2014 at 01:40:52 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around noon today at the Bracebridge Ponds we
found a male American Wigeon in cell 4. At the edge of the woods west of cell 3
there were two Least Flycatchers trying to find insects down in the grass. We
also visited Henry Marsh this morning where there were several Tree Swallows
and a couple Barn Swallows flying low over the marsh. At least 8 Yellow-rumped
Warblers were finding something to eat down in the grassy mounds at the east
side of the marsh.
We were hoping for a Golden Eagle but instead
counted six Broad-winged Hawks migrating north today...not quite as good as the
amazing count at Braddock Bay Hawkwatch yesterday - see Braddock Bay count
Spotted Sandpipers
Posted on May 1, 2014 at 04:20:45 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon at the Bracebridge Ponds there
were three Spotted Sandpipers at the west end of cell 3. Couldn't find the
Shoveler. Three Common Goldeneyes were in cell 4. Four Double-crested
Cormorants were in cell 3. A Cooper's Hawk was at the edge of the woods by the
Lagoon Lane entrance. A Brown Thrasher was singing near the baseball field at
Kerr Park.
Black-and-white
Warbler, Northern Shoveler
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 12:31:24 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there was a male Black-and-white
Warbler along the trail just east of Henry Marsh.
At the Bracebridge Ponds there was a male
Northern Shoveler in cell 2.
Also at Henry Marsh there were a few
Ring-necked Ducks and four Hooded Mergansers. A Wilson's Snipe was near the
footbridge and a Broad-winged Hawk circled overhead. Muskrats and an Otter were
at the east side of the marsh. (note: still flooded at the "T" in the
trail at Henry Marsh so rubber boots are recommended)
Also at the Bracebridge Ponds there were still
many Buffleheads and Ring-necked Ducks in cell 4 as well as three Common
Mergansers. A few Lesser Scaup and Wood Ducks were in cell 1.
Directions to Henry Marsh and Bracebridge
Ponds:
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)
Eastern Towhee
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 09:01:11 AM by Barbara Taylor
This morning a male Eastern Towhee made a brief
appearance in our yard - first one we've ever seen here. Don Bailey reports
there were 5 newly arrived White-crowned Sparrows at their place. (Bracebridge)
Too far away for a good photo, so just for the
record: photo1
photo2
Re(2): Doe Lake Rd
Gravenhurst Birds
Posted on May 2, 2014 at 04:09:38 PM by Barb Staples
I wonder if it is the same one I saw beside my
driveway off the end of Bird Haven Way, yesterday 5 pmish. Sunny Lake,
Gravenhurst.
Re(1): Doe Lake Rd
Gravenhurst Birds
Posted on May 2, 2014 at 03:38:45 PM by janice house
I saw an American kestral on the wires across
from the old Dinsmore Sheep farm this morning
Re(1): Doe Lake Rd
Gravenhurst Birds
Posted on May 1, 2014 at 04:22:31 PM by janice house
Ruby crowned kinglets calling this morning in
the back yard, not 100% sure but the call of a palm warbler stopped me dead in
my tracks while walking one of the dogs before work. I checked my Stokes field
guide to warblers and from April 20th on they should be moving through our area
Doe Lake Rd Birds
Posted on April 29, 2014 at 05:05:47 PM by janice house
Sunday a brown thrasher was calling across from
the house, heard a grey catbird yesterday morning and a savannah sparrow was
feeding in the back yard
Common loon
Posted on April 29, 2014 at 09:11:53 AM by michaellynch
Arrowhead lake in Arrowhead Prov. Park.
Muskoka Field
Naturalists - next meeting May 1
Posted on April 28, 2014 at 04:40:07 PM by Barbara Taylor
MFN meeting Thursday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m., in
Gravenhurst
Butterflies on the Move with James
Kamstra
We know that Monarch butterflies migrate each
year from Ontario all the way to Mexico and back, but other butterflies are
also on the move. James Kamstra will discuss how some are expanding their
ranges northward, some go beyond their normal ranges to establish temporary
colonies, while others are just plain disappearing. Find out about some of the
recent trends in the status and distribution of Ontario butterflies and gear up
for the MFN butterfly count on June 28, 2014.
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
Re(1): bittern
Posted on April 28, 2014 at 04:49:30 PM by Barbara Taylor
There was an American Bittern calling at Henry
Marsh this afternoon...we were quite surprised to hear it at that time of day.
A male Northern Harrier was flying low as it hunted for prey in the open area
north of the marsh. (Bracebridge)
Directions to Henry Marsh and Bracebridge
Ponds:
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)
bittern
Posted on April 27, 2014 at 06:41:55 PM by John Challis
Heard an American bittern in the (very flooded)
marsh behind our house tonight just as the sun was starting to make its way
over the horizon.
First leopard frogs began calling today as
well. High water levels are greeted with joy by these guys.
American Robin
Posted on April 27, 2014 at 04:02:15 PM by janice house
My brother has a robin that has built 8 nests
on the rafters of their porch, is this normal? I have looked through several
books but there is no mention of this behavior. ( Bent River )
Greater Yellowlegs
Posted on April 27, 2014 at 02:30:20 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there was
a Greater Yellowlegs at the SE corner of cell 3. A female Northern Shoveler and
a pair of Green-winged Teal were in cell 4. Also a few Lesser Scaup, Wood
Ducks, Mallards, and many Ring-necked Ducks and Buffleheads. A Great Blue Heron
was in the ditch north of cell 4 and seemed to be trying to decide whether or
not it should swallow the Salamander it had caught...eventually it flew off
with the potential meal still dangling from its bill.
Bracebridge Ponds map (north approx. at top,
west at left): map
American Kestral
Posted on April 27, 2014 at 02:18:30 PM by DBurton
1 Kestral today on the power lines of the main
street of Sundridge in front of a lumber yard. First I have seen here.
Saw-whet Owl
calling
Posted on April 26, 2014 at 10:37:00 PM by Al Sinclair
Saw-whet Owl calling tonight at 10:30 pm,
north-east of the house. We also had one here Mar 11 calling south-east of the
house. Hwy 118E, 8km east of Bracebridge
Re(4): Painted
Bunting - not seen yet today
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 08:39:30 AM by Al Sinclair
This report was on eBird from the 28th, 7.00,
AM I think because the checklist time is 4:30 PM Anyone else hear the bird
singing? Maybe he was saying thanks for the food and goodbye.
April 28 1 Painted Bunting
This bird has been seen at this location for
the last two days. To my knowledge it did not come to the feeding station at
all during the day of the 28th. This sighting occurred at 7:10 and was very
brief. The male flew about mid way up into one of the poplar trees closer to
the adjacent neighbours property (to the south of the feeding station). He sang
twice while in the tree then drooped back down into the underbrush. I am pretty
sure that the male had been singing on and off all afternoon though it was
difficult to tell given the number of singing American Goldfinches also
present. Though the observation was brief the bird was unmistakable with it's
red chest and belly, blue head and greenish back. The entire observation lasted
less than a minute, very different from how the bird was reported to act
earlier in the week.
Re(3): Painted
Bunting - not seen yet today
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 08:10:25 AM by Lianne
No sign of the bunting since April 27th.
Re(2): Painted
Bunting - not seen yet today
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 07:15:46 AM by TheCardys
Has there been any sign of the bunting since
April 27th.
Thanks
Re(1): Painted
Bunting - not seen yet today
Posted on April 28, 2014 at 12:16:27 PM by Barbara Taylor
I received the following update from Lianne at
noon today, April 28:
"No sign of the bird today, however people
are still welcome to look if they want to."
Re(1): Painted
Bunting - photos
Posted on April 28, 2014 at 10:49:01 AM by michaellynch
Lianne
would it be ok for my wife and I to stop by. we
live on n waseosa lk rd an often walk by your area.
mike and janine lynch
Re(2): Painted
Bunting - photos
Posted on April 27, 2014 at 12:25:27 PM by Lianne
12:25 pm he's still here
Re(2): Painted
Bunting - photos
Posted on April 27, 2014 at 10:54:33 AM by Al Sinclair
Got it! 10:AM today April 27. photo
Small crowd waiting in the back yard, came to
the feeder table, everyone saw it. It stays out of sight most of the time but
comes down after the goldfinches come in.
Re(1): Painted
Bunting - photos
Posted on April 27, 2014 at 07:51:58 AM by Lianne
7:50am he's back again
Re(1): Painted
Bunting - photos
Posted on April 26, 2014 at 09:36:23 PM by Lianne
95 Glencairn Cres. Huntsville is where the
painted bunting was observed
Re(1): Painted
Bunting - previous sightings
Posted on April 26, 2014 at 09:14:20 PM by Barbara Taylor
I received the following details about previous
sightings from Mike Burrell:
"There are 34 accepted records of this
species for Ontario, all since 1978 (first record was at Long Point in May
1978). Of those 34 records, 23 have been in the South Review zone, 10 were in
the Central Review Zone, and 1 was in the Lowlands Review zone (see map of the review zones). The most northerly record was
from Moose Factory on 22-26 May 2003. There is one record from Batchawana Bay,
Algoma District that would be further north than this in the South Review zone.
Interestingly, I received a sight report of a male Painted Bunting from the
Ottawa area this past week.
The 34 records may sound like a lot, but that
works out to less than one per year on average, which is pretty rare in Ontario
with thousands of birders out!"
Re(1): Painted
Bunting - photos
Posted on April 26, 2014 at 06:46:48 PM by DBurton
Can people come to see it? This is the only
record for Muskoka.
Re(1): Painted
Bunting - photos
Posted on April 26, 2014 at 06:33:27 PM by George Bryant
Lianne, This is a rare Ontario bird. I have
seen a female at Toronto Island December 24, 1978 (first record for the
province?) and a male at Point Pelee ~10 years' ago. There have only been a few
other records. With this weather and your bird being ~1500 kms. too far north,
it may stay around. Many birders may be interested in seeing it. If you are
agreeable to having visitors, it can be posted on ONTbirds, a listserve with
2000 subscribers.
Painted Bunting -
photos
Posted on April 26, 2014 at 04:10:54 PM by Lianne
Today in Huntsville we had a male Painted
Bunting. He has been hanging around the yard all day either sitting in the
brush pile or feeding from the bird feeder. I took some pictures. Has there
been any other sightings? photo1
photo2
photo3
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 24 April
Posted on April 25, 2014 at 09:34:58 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Kevin
Clute on ONTBIRDS (April 24, 2014) and is provided here with the kind
permission of the Ontario Field
Ornithologists.
Lakes in Algonquin Park remain ice covered, but
fast moving creeks and
rivers are ice free and water levels remain
high. Ice in areas of
substantial inflow and outflow is eroding
allowing more open water for
waterfowl. Snow has disappeared from most
areas, but north facing slopes and
dense conifer areas are still partially snow
covered. Warmer temperatures
and rain this week encouraged new spring
arrivals, the first amphibian
observations, and Moose attracted to thawing
roadside ditches containing
slightly salty water. See
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca for additional
details.
NEW SPRING BIRD ARRIVALS:
April 17: Common Goldeneye
April 18: Savannah Sparrow
April 19: Bufflehead, Ruby-crowned Kinglet
April 20: Canada Goose (interior subspecies),
Broad-winged Hawk, Tree
Swallow, Rusty Blackbird, Chipping Sparrow
April 21: Osprey, Tundra Swan, Ring-billed
Gull, American Bittern, Northern
Harrier
OTHER NOTEWORTHY SIGHTINGS:
Sandhill Crane (April 17 & 21 along Opeongo
Road)
Northern Saw-whet Owl (April 18 at Lake of Two
Rivers Campground)
Green-winged Teal (April 19 at Airfield Marsh,
and April 21 & 23 at Lake
Opeongo/Costello Creek)
First Report of Ruffed Grouse Drumming: April
19
First Spring Peeper (frog) Active/Calling:
April 21
First American Toad Active/Calling: April 21
First salamander active: April 21 (Blue-spotted
Salamander)
Bald Eagle (April 24 at Lookout Trail)
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: Observed on April 21 and 24
along the Opeongo Road. Also
check near the trail register box at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One seen at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk on April 19. Check
the old telephone poles opposite the entrance
to Spruce Bog Boardwalk, near
post 1 of Spruce Bog Boardwalk, or try
searching along Opeongo Road.
Gray Jay: Reported regularly at Opeongo Road
and Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
Boreal Chickadee: Observed on April 21 along
the Opeongo Road. Also check
Spruce Bog Boardwalk or the Mizzy Lake Trail.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Observed on April 17, 18, 19 and
22 at various locations
including the Opeongo Road and the Visitor
Centre.
Red Crossbill: Two spotted at Lake of Two
Rivers on April 18. Two observed
on April 19 along Highway 60.
American Goldfinch: Observed on April 17 at the
Algonquin Visitor Centre.
Evening Grosbeak: Numbers of this species are
decreasing from winter highs
of 60+ birds. On April 21, two were seen at the
Visitor Centre, one at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and 2 along the Opeongo
Road. A lone male was also
seen at the Visitor Centre today (April 24).
MAMMALS:
Moose: Numerous along Highway 60 throughout the
week. One Park visitor
spotted 10 along Highway 60 on April 20. Watch
for Moose in roadside ditches
drinking slightly salty water from winter road
maintenance operations.
Wolf: One spotted on the ice on April 19 near
Centennial Ridges Road (km
38).
Otter: Several observed near the Lake Opeongo
Access Point over Easter
Weekend.
SPRING ROAD CLOSURES:
Birders should be aware that most secondary
roads in Algonquin Park are
closed for the spring melt. The only exceptions
are Opeongo Road (paved) and
Arowhon Road to the ³crossroads² area about 4
km north of Highway 60. Road
such as Source Lake, Rock Lake, Centennial
Ridges, and other roads to
backcountry access points both along Highway 60
and around the periphery of
Algonquin Park remain closed. For more details
see
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/2014/spring_2014_update.php
The Visitor Centre (at km 43 of Highway 60) has
recent bird sightings and
information, plus exhibits, bookstore and
nature shop, and a restaurant. The
Visitor Centre is open 9am to 5pm daily
starting April 26, 2014. For more
information see the Algonquin Park events
calendar at
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/
Birders reporting records through eBird can
share their lists with the
Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds).
We encourage you to do so.
Or please send us any bird sightings you've had
in the Park, even of common
birds, as they assist us in documenting
Algonquin Park's bird life.
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer, Kevin Clute, and Dawn Sherman
Algonquin Park, Ontario
hermit thrush,
nashville warbler
Posted on April 24, 2014 at 02:35:37 PM by John Challis
Hermit thrushes must be on the move through our
area, as I heard three, possibly four, singing this morning on the walk with
the dog (Green River Drive, Washago).
I was only able to catch the call once, but it
also sounded like the tee-tee-tee titititi of a Nashville warbler.
is the timing right for Nashvilles? or was it
maybe a yellow-rumped warbler with a slight variation to its song?
Painted Turtles
Posted on April 23, 2014 at 02:13:07 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds we watched
three Painted Turtles slowly climbing out of the muddy bottom of cell 4 at the
west side where the ice has pulled away from the shore. Three Wilson's Snipe
were along the pipeline west of cell 4. (all cells now completely free of ice
except for cell 4 which is still mostly iced in)
edit...here's a photo from April 24...cell 4 open now: photo
Henry Marsh
Posted on April 23, 2014 at 02:02:55 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at Henry Marsh there was a pair of
Green-winged Teal, 15 Ring-necked Ducks, a couple Wood Ducks, and Mallards. The
marsh is now completely free of ice. The trail is flooded at the "T".
Directions to Henry Marsh and Bracebridge
Ponds:
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): Bracebridge
Ponds - Horned Grebe
Posted on April 22, 2014 at 08:54:41 PM by Goodyear
At 7:40 tonight we saw a Horned Grebe in cell
1.
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on April 22, 2014 at 03:55:14 PM by Barbara Taylor
Just got back from a chilly walk around the
lagoons - cells 1 and 3 now free of ice, cell 2 is half open, cell 4 still
frozen. Water level has been lowered slightly in cell 4 so a bit of muddy
shoreline.
About 50 Buffleheads, a Ring-necked Duck, and a
Common Goldeneye in cell 2, 10 Wood Ducks and some Mallards by the NW corner of
cell 1, pair of Hooded Mergansers in cell 3. Two Wilson's Snipe at south edge
of cell 2 and three Killdeer at north edge of cell 3. Looks like a Canada Goose
is already sitting on a nest near the SE corner of cell 2 - about the same spot
as last year.
Bracebridge Ponds map (north approx. at top,
west at left): http://www.muskokafieldnaturalists.com/Archives/pondsmap.jpg
Re(1): Sandhill
Cranes, Bala
Posted on April 23, 2014 at 03:24:34 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Claude Radley, a bander from SW Ontario says,
"Although I am not an expert on Sandhill Cranes, this reference indicates
this to be at least a third year bird".
http://research.myfwc.com/engine/download_redirection_process.asp?file=05nesbitt_3456.pdf&objid=49467&dltype=publication
Re(1): Sandhill
Cranes, Bala, Photo
Posted on April 22, 2014 at 04:03:51 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
This photo is one of the birds that spent time
on the ice on my lake this morning. One of the other birds attacked this one
several times as I watched. photo
Is there a bander out there would might be able
to age it?
Re(1): Sandhill
Cranes, Bala
Posted on April 22, 2014 at 01:29:28 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
The Sandhill Cranes walked by a pair of Canada Geese
and they moved off but returned later. Suspect they are nesting already on an
abandoned beaver lodge.
I heard a single loon calling from the
direction of the river. Dinny Nimmo reported two loons there the other day.
Sandhill Cranes,
Bala
Posted on April 22, 2014 at 01:26:45 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
This morning at about 7:30 am I heard Sandhill
Cranes calling not too far away. They were calling about every 10 minutes and
by about 7:50 am seemed quite close. I grabbed my binos and went down toward my
lake. There were 4 cranes on the ice not ten ft from my dock. Hurried back up
for my camera and watched them walk back and forth out further onto the ice.
Two of the birds continued to call every 10 mins.
or so. One of the birds seemed to be going after another of the birds and drove
it off toward shore. It took off and did come back.
It was so foggy that I had a difficult time
getting Auto focus to work as it depends on contrast. They stayed around until
about 8:50 am and then flew off to the West.
Last summer I heard cranes calling on many
mornings in the summer.
Ruby crowned
Kinglet Bala
Posted on April 21, 2014 at 05:47:04 PM by DinnyNimmo
Neil and I walked down Hurlings Point Bala. Saw
a ruby crowned kinglet, heard 3 phoebes, and the piliated woodpecker.Saw a
great blue heron fly overhead as well as the resident merlin.
Odd looking
mourning dove...Utterson
Posted on April 21, 2014 at 03:56:05 PM by JohnDouglas
photo1
photo2
Wood Frogs,
Collingwood
Posted on April 20, 2014 at 05:51:11 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Wood frogs calling from a few ditches in the
Collingwood/Craigleith area today.
American Wigeon
Posted on April 19, 2014 at 09:19:46 PM by Goodyear
This evening we saw two male American Wigeon on
Lake Muskoka at the mouth of the Muskoka River. There were also many
Ring-necked Ducks, Common Goldeneyes, and Buffleheads.
Re(1): Loon - Lake
Muskoka
Posted on April 25, 2014 at 01:20:14 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there was a single Common Loon on
an open stretch of water on Lake Muskoka at the end of Beaumont Dr. by the
marina. (Bracebridge)
(Still lots of ice on the lake, but it is getting
dark. Alport Bay is almost completely open now.)
Pair of Loons on
Moon River
Posted on April 19, 2014 at 08:16:04 PM by DinnyNimmo
This evening we saw our first sights of the
season of a pair of loons but also a pied billed grebe. Last time we saw a
grebe was April 13 1990!
Meadowlark
Posted on April 19, 2014 at 04:57:06 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds an Eastern
Meadowlark flew overhead and landed in a tree west of cell 4 where it stayed
for a while. It was making a sort of "peent" sound, which we've never
heard before. A Rusty Blackbird was calling from the wet woods north of cell 4.
There was only one Bufflehead in the small area of open water in cell 3.
GBH and YRW
Posted on April 18, 2014 at 05:37:44 PM by catmaclean
Saw a Great Blue Heron just south of Huntsville
this afternoon and a Yellow-Rumped Warbler at our suet feeder.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 17 April
Posted on April 17, 2014 at 10:31:14 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Apr. 17, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
About 10 cm of new snow accumulated during the
night and into the day
on April 15th, and it continued to cover the
previous limited bare ground on
the 16th. This resulted in large numbers of
sparrows, juncos and blackbirds
concentrating at the Visitor Centre feeders on
those days, such as 70
Dark-eyed Juncos on the 15th. Open water is
restricted to rivers and creeks
with current. All lakes and ponds are frozen
right to the shore. Still deep
snow in shaded forest.
New arrivals reported this week were:
April 10: Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Merlin,
Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker,Winter Wren
April 11: Common Merganser
April 12: Wood Duck, Red-breasted Merganser,
Belted Kingfisher,
Bohemian Waxwing, American Tree Sparrow
April 13: Snow Goose
April 14: Ring-necked Duck, Sandhill Crane,
Northern Flicker
April 15: Fox Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow
April 16: Sharp-shinned Hawk, Brown Thrasher
April 17: Common Goldeneye
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: A displaying male and a female
were seen north of the
register book along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the
12th and 13th.
Black-backed Woodpecker: The hole being
excavated by a pair in a
telephone pole just west of Spruce Bog
Boardwalk on the 12th was not
subsequently attended and likely has been
abandoned, as is often the
case with these early cavities.
Gray Jay: Reported regularly on Opeongo Road.
Boreal Chickadee: Heard and seen in the black
spruce section of
Opeongo Road, on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and
along Highway 60 just
west of Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 12th.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: A few were seen at the Visitor
Centre feeders.
Red Crossbill: Occasional small groups are
still being seen along the
highway.
White-winged Crossbill: Three were seen on
Opeongo Road on the 12th.
Pine Siskin: One or two were noted on Opeongo
Road on the 12th.
American Goldfinch: A few were at the Visitor
Centre feeders.
Evening Grosbeak: Only about 10 were at the
Visitor Centre feeders by the
end of the 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)
Golden-crowned
Kinglets
Posted on April 17, 2014 at 06:00:23 PM by DBurton
Todays new yardbirds were Golden-crowned
Kinglets. Goldfinches were singing happily until they heard the Merlin - then
went silent. (Gravenhurst)
Harriers and
Rough-legged Hawk
Posted on April 17, 2014 at 03:59:18 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon around 3 p.m. there was a
Rough-legged Hawk hunting over the fields at Bardsville. It eventually caught a
thermal and rose so high we lost sight of it. A male Northern Harrier was in
the same area, at the east side of Falkenburg Rd. a bit south of the
intersection with Beatrice Townline Rd. There is a large flooded section in
that field with over 300 Mallards, several Black Ducks, and many Canada Geese.
No sign of the Sandhill Cranes. Note: things may change with more rain and
melting, but today Beatrice Townline Rd. is no longer flooded and the barrier
has been removed. (Bardsville)
Along Hwy. 118W near Golden Beach Rd. there was
a Red-tailed Hawk and an American Kestrel. A female Northern Harrier was
hunting the fields along South Monck Dr. near #1091. (Bracebridge)
Ruby-crowned
Kinglet
Posted on April 16, 2014 at 04:58:16 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon there was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet
at the dip in the trail east of Henry Marsh.
(note:
trail is flooded at the "T", but can still get through with high
rubber boots)
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)
Busy at the
feeders...Utterson
Posted on April 16, 2014 at 11:48:32 AM by JohnDouglas
photos
Re(1):
White-throated sparrow
Posted on April 15, 2014 at 10:13:56 PM by Barb Staples
Here too! How precious, would so enjoy seeing
more photos. Sunny Lake, Gravenhurst.
White-throated
sparrow
Posted on April 15, 2014 at 07:58:01 PM by JohnDouglas
photo
(Utterson)
Busy at the feeders
today...Bracebridge
Posted on April 15, 2014 at 07:53:13 PM by Al Sinclair
Cold and 10 cm of fresh snow meant a busy day
at the feeders today, 14 species. 10km east of Bracebridge.
Today's List.
Observer: Al Sinclair
2014-04-15 08:29
Bracebridge, 1852 Hwy 118E
Protocol: Incidental
Observers: 1
All birds reported? Yes
3 Mourning Dove
2 Hairy Woodpecker
4 Blue Jay
2 Black-capped Chickadee
1 American Robin
2 American Tree Sparrow
2 Fox Sparrow
1 Song Sparrow
1 White-throated Sparrow
25 Dark-eyed Junco
4 Red-winged Blackbird
25 Common Grackle
8 Purple Finch
1 American Goldfinch
This report was created and sent using BirdsEye
BirdLog (http://birdseyebirding.com/)
So many birds
Posted on April 15, 2014 at 07:41:31 PM by JohnDouglas
On the deck and at the feeders today a pair of
fox sparrows, goldfinches, a white-throated sparrow, juncos, tree sparrows,
purple finches, bluejays, chickadees, a downy, red-winged blackbirds, grackles,
and flying overhead a great egret. Quite a day! (Utterson)
Flicker
Posted on April 15, 2014 at 05:53:55 PM by David Hatch
Just had a flicker at my house. First I've seen
in a couple of years. (east of Port Carling)
Snowy Birds, Bala
Posted on April 15, 2014 at 03:35:27 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Travelling East on Muskoka Rd 38 from the 400 ext
around 1 pm at least 3 flocks of more than 20 juncos each along the side of the
road looking for food.
Three dozen juncos, 10 Tree Sparrows, a
White-throated Sparrow along with at least 6 of each, goldfinches and Purple
Finches at my feeders this afternoon.
Osprey, Port Severn
Posted on April 15, 2014 at 03:28:53 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Monday, April 14th at 11:30 an Osprey was seen
hovering over the water on the west side of the bridge at the 400 extension,
Port Severn.
Re(2): Fox Sparrow
Posted on April 15, 2014 at 07:08:18 PM by J. Gardner
Had a pair of Fox Sparrows working the debris under
a line of spruce trees. And a pair of Flickers working over a gnarly old silver
maple. Nobody looking desperate but the food in the feeders was consumed in
good time. J. Gardner (Hurdville)
Re(1): Fox Sparrow
Posted on April 15, 2014 at 05:40:54 PM by catmaclean
Finally saw a Fox Sparrow this am after hearing
them in the woods. Also saw a very confused Phoebe. (Huntsville)
Fox Sparrow
Posted on April 15, 2014 at 11:10:28 AM by Barbara Taylor
This morning's snowfall has brought some
visitors to our yard - American Tree Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Song Sparrows,
and a Fox Sparrow. They all seem to be enjoying the cracked corn I threw down
on the ground...after clearing away over 4 inches of snow! (Bracebridge)
Tree Sparrows &
More w/Pics
Posted on April 15, 2014 at 10:43:17 AM by michaelhatton
Tree sparrows -- 10 or more -- showed up this
morning along with four or five inches of new snow. They were particularly
aggressive around the juncos and the goldfinches. The chickadees vacated the
area! photo1 photo2 photo3 photo4 (Leonard Lake)
Krider's Red Tail
Posted on April 14, 2014 at 08:03:46 PM by DBurton
On Saturday while travelling north on highway
11 south of Burks Falls, I saw what I thought was a young Snowy Owl. After
stopping and getting binoculars out this turned out to be a Red Tailed Hawk,
but an unusual variety called Krider's. It was sitting in a tree over a wet area
and was being harassed by 2 crows. Eventually it flew showing a red tail, but
the bird was mostly white with brown spotting.
Re(2): Hermit
Thrush
Posted on April 16, 2014 at 06:32:44 PM by DBurton
He's still here, alone, acting like a Robin- sitting
out in the open and hunting for ground food.
Re(1): Hermit
Thrush
Posted on April 15, 2014 at 05:08:23 PM by Barbara Taylor
Had one in our yard today, but it looked very
out of place against the snowy background. There were two Phoebes here
yesterday, but haven't seen them today. Hopefully they've been able to find
something to eat elsewhere...conditions don't look very good for these
"early birds". (Bracebridge)
Hermit Thrush
Posted on April 14, 2014 at 06:58:31 PM by DBurton
New arrival for this morning was a Hermit
Thrush travelling in a group of at least 6. I only had a good look at one of
them. (Gravenhurst)
Flicker
Posted on April 14, 2014 at 05:44:48 PM by catmaclean
Just saw a Flicker at our house in Huntsville.
Also back are the White-Throated Sparrow and I saw a Loon flying over.
Osprey @ Leonard
Lake
Posted on April 14, 2014 at 05:07:35 PM by michaelhatton
A dark, windy day with heavy rains brought this
Osprey to the west side of Leonard Lake where the bird came several times to
check out the open water. I suppose that trout season opened early for
him. photo
Bluebird/Winter
Wren
Posted on April 14, 2014 at 02:58:13 PM by janice house
Yesterday as I was repairing the entrance holes
to my bluebird boxes a male started calling from the hydro wires in front of the
house. The hairy woodpeckers roost in the boxes over the winter and make a mess
of the holes in order to squeeze in. This morning a winter wren was calling.
(Doe Lake Rd. Gravenhurst)
Kingfisher
Posted on April 13, 2014 at 10:01:22 PM by DBurton
A Kingfisher and a Song Sparrow arrived in
Gravenhurst today.
Pine Warbler &
Chipping Sparrow Today
Posted on April 14, 2014 at 12:40:18 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Pine Warbler and Chipping Sparrow this morning
by my house.
Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker, etc., Bala
Posted on April 13, 2014 at 05:31:15 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
There is at least one phoebe around.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker put in an appearance yesterday. Today there was a
Golden-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Mallards quacking from the
edge of the lake.
White-Throated
Sparrow
Posted on April 13, 2014 at 01:56:36 PM by
dinnymccraney
Just now in the cedar hedge (Bracebridge)
Yellow-rumped
Warblers
Posted on April 13, 2014 at 12:45:40 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were a few new arrivals at
the Bracebridge Ponds...three Yellow-rumped Warblers, a couple Rusty
Blackbirds, and a singing Swamp Sparrow. (all cells still iced in except for a
small patch of open water in cell 3)
Here's the eBird list of species at the
Bracebridge Ponds year-to-date:
http://ebird.org/ebird/canada/hotspot/L354755?m=&yr=cur&changeDate=Set
cormorants
Posted on April 13, 2014 at 11:38:44 AM by John Challis
Fourteen double-crested cormorants this
morning, flying roughly over the Severn River and Highway 11. Very odd, in that
they are flying in and out of rough formation, but also in spirals, catching
thermals as they move along. They're certainly intelligent when it comes to
flight -- and I guess given their success in recovering their numbers that
they're equally clever on our waterways.
25th Annual OFO
Algonquin Park Trip: 12 April
Posted on April 12, 2014 at 10:09:58 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Apr. 12, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
About 80 participants enjoyed a beautiful
spring day in Algonquin Park
today, with the entire group encountering a
total of 52 species. Our main
goal was to see the boreal species plus as many
other birds as we could
find. Widespread knee-deep snow limited where
we could go but we lucked
out in the accessible places available.
A displaying male Spruce Grouse near an
"indifferent" female north of the
register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk was a life
species for a number of
people and a highlight for everyone.
A male and a female Black-backed Woodpecker
were observed excavating a nest
cavity in the first telephone pole west of
Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
Vocalizing Boreal Chickadees were noted in the
black spruce section of
Opeongo Road, on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and
along Highway 60 just west of
Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
Gray Jays were seen near the northern bridge
over Costello Creek and farther
north in the black spruce section of Opeongo
Road.
First sightings for this spring in Algonquin
Park included:
-Wood Duck: five at the Little Madawaska
-Red-breasted Merganser: male at Smoke Creek
with Common Mergansers
-Merlin: male at Harkness Lab on Opeongo Lake
-Belted Kingfisher: female along Costello Creek
-Bohemian Waxwing: four perched in a dead tree
a little east of the West
Gate
-American Tree Sparrow: Opeongo Road
As usual, it was great fun to spend the day
birding with such an
enthusiastic group. I would like to thank
everyone who helped find and
identify birds today, and in particular Kevin
Clute and Justin Peter for
their assistance on the trip.
Ron Tozer
Dwight, ON
Good day in
Algonquin - w/PICS
Posted on April 12, 2014 at 08:55:30 PM by
michaelhatton
Black-Backed male and female, south side of
highway 60, just west of Opeongo Road photo1 photo2
Spruce Grouse off the Spruce Bog Trail photo
Evening Grosbeaks ... almost too many photo1 photo2
Gray Jay on Opeongo Road photo
Plus Mallards, Wood Ducks, Black Ducks, Red Breasted Nuthatch, Robin, Grackle, Red Wing Blackbirds, Chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers, Canada Geese, Merlin, Kestrel, Common Mergansers, Woodcock, Blue Jays, Crows, Turkey Vulture ... and more. (But I missed the Boreal Chickadees ... so very sad.)
Long-tailed Duck
Posted on April 12, 2014 at 06:21:30 PM by Goodyear
There was a male Long-tailed Duck at the mouth
of the Muskoka River along with 16 Ring-necked Ducks, 18 Bufflehead, 10 Common Goldeneye,
2 Common Mergansers , 4 Wood Ducks, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 12 Canada Geese, 4
Mallards and 9 Tree Swallows. Unfortunately, all the birds were put up by 2
early spring canoeists.
Early Moth
Posted on April 12, 2014 at 04:36:07 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning we came across The Infant Moth at
the Bracebridge Ponds. It fluttered around us briefly before settling down on
the muddy roadway to sun itself. With wings spread, the orange colour on the
hindwings was quite striking. Ref: http://bugguide.net/node/view/38897
(p.s. - still only a small patch of open water
in cell 3.)
Ring-necked Ducks
Posted on April 12, 2014 at 01:09:26 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were four Ring-necked Ducks
and a pair of Buffleheads on the Muskoka River near Santa's Village. In the
flooded area at Henry Marsh there were 20 Mallards, 10 Wood Ducks, 7 Hooded
Mergansers, and two Otters sitting on the ice. (Bracebridge)
(Note: high rubber boots are now necessary if
you want to walk out to Henry Marsh from Henry Rd. as the "T" in the
trail is flooded)
Tree Swallows
Posted on April 12, 2014 at 12:03:42 PM by J. Gardner
Tree Swallows returned to Hurdville in numbers
today. What a joy to see them winging across the sky. May they have a
productive season. J. Gardner
Merlin
Posted on April 11, 2014 at 06:59:20 PM by DBurton
Heard a Merlin near the cemetery at the end of
John St in Gravenhurst today. Could be a bad year for small birds in the area.
Sandhill Cranes,
Tree Swallows, Bluebird - Bardsville
Posted on April 11, 2014 at 04:14:07 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around 3 p.m. this afternoon we found two
Sandhill Cranes in the field just south of #1710 Falkenburg Rd. - same spot as
last spring. There is some bare ground now. There was also a female Northern
Harrier hunting low over the same field. An American Kestrel was at the east
side of Beatrice Townline Rd. overlooking the swamp. Several Mallards and two
American Black Ducks were in the large sections of open water. A Belted
Kingfisher was chattering as it flew past. An Eastern Bluebird was singing near
the intersection of Falkenburg Rd. and Beatrice Townline Rd. Several Tree
Swallows were swooping low over the fields.
Note: Beatrice Townline Rd. just north of
Falkenburg Rd. is now closed due to flooding.
(directions: see Bardsville google map)
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 10 April
Posted on April 11, 2014 at 09:25:35 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Apr. 10, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
New arrivals reported this week were: American
Black Duck, Blue-winged Teal
(photo), Hooded Merganser, Great Blue Heron,
Turkey Vulture., Red-tailed
Hawk, Killdeer, American Woodcock, Eastern
Phoebe, Eastern Bluebird, Song
Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco and Brown-headed
Cowbird. Several of these were a
week or more later than the average arrival
date.
A Nocturnal Owl Survey on the 9th encountered
calling Northern Saw-whet
Owls at km 0 (West Gate), 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
and 18; Barred Owls at km 8
and 18; and howling wolves at Tea Lake
Campground and Smoke Lake.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: A displaying male was seen near
the register book along
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 6th.
Black-backed Woodpecker: A female was observed,
and another bird was heard
calling and drumming, near the register book
along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on
the 6th.
Gray Jay: Reported on Opeongo Road, at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk
and at the Logging Museum.
Boreal Chickadee: Try Opeongo Road.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: A few were seen at the Visitor
Centre feeders and along the
highway.
Red Crossbill: Small groups were reported this
week at: km 10, km 30, east
of Pog Lake, and the Logging Museum entrance.
White-winged Crossbill: A small flock was heard
over Spruce Bog Boardwalk on
the 6th.
Pine Siskin: One was with a small flock of
goldfinches along the highway at
Canisbay Creek on the 7th.
American Goldfinch: A few were at the Visitor
Centre feeders.
Evening Grosbeak: About 20 were at the Visitor
Centre feeders by the end of
the 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)
Re(2): Eastern
Phoebe
Posted on April 11, 2014 at 12:57:20 PM by Al Sinclair
First one back here today but there is still a
foot of snow or more in the bush and yard. Did see a few flies yesterday. Hwy
118E Bracebridge.
Re(1): Eastern
Phoebe
Posted on April 11, 2014 at 12:30:59 PM by janice house
One was calling in our neighbourhood this
morning, Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Eastern Phoebe
Posted on April 10, 2014 at 06:07:21 PM by
tedthevideoman
2 Eastern Pheobes in the backyard today! 120
Meadow Heights BB
Green River roundup
Posted on April 10, 2014 at 05:44:36 PM by John Challis
Six...yes, six great blue herons flew overhead
this morning croaking and acting very much like a flock. a short while later a
group of about eight ring-necked ducks landed on the river. They are, according
to another birder, fairly abundant right now. Pied-billed grebe was seen south
of Little Falls in Washago as well. Hoodies, wood ducks & buffleheads have
also moved in, and common mergansers have been - well, common.
Re(1): Chipping
Sparrow
Posted on April 11, 2014 at 07:05:11 PM by DBurton
I heard Juncos singing today. They sound
similar only more mechanical and less insect-like. Juncos, Chipping and Pine
Warblers are often hard to tell apart.
Chipping Sparrow
Posted on April 10, 2014 at 03:46:43 PM by janice house
Yesterday morning I am pretty sure I heard the
sparrow by a neighbours house, I could not see the bird and did not have my
binocs with me. Same route this morning but no luck. Laycox Rd/Doe Lake Rd
Gravenhurst
Huntsville Nature
Club Meeting April 29 2014
Posted on April 10, 2014 at 01:16:05 PM by BevEaston
On Tuesday, April 29, the Huntsville Nature
Club will present a talk by Algonquin Park Naturalist David LeGros, about his
adventures in southern Illinois looking for reptiles and amphibians. The
meeting is at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Hall on West Street at 7 pm.
Guests are always welcome. A $3 donation is appreciated.
Osprey
Posted on April 10, 2014 at 11:39:29 AM by John Challis
Gayle here: Saw an osprey on its nest on Cty
Rd. 6 near Lk Dalrymple on Wednesday afternoon.
Barred Owl Webcam
Posted on April 9, 2014 at 05:14:47 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
A webcam in Indiana in a Barred Owl nest box
has just shown that the mate brought in a Blue Jay and fish along with the
regular rodents!
Surprisingly diverse diet!
http://cams.allaboutbirds.org/channel/43/Barred_Owls/
One out of three eggs hatched yesterday.
Re(1): Wilson's
Snipe - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on April 10, 2014 at 02:59:38 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around 2 p.m. this afternoon we checked out the
small area of open water by the treatment plant outflow in cell 3. A Wilson's
Snipe was poking around in a pile of sludge at the edge of the water. There
were also eight Mallards and a single Canada Goose. No sign of the Shrike.
(P.S. - you don't want to stand downwind of the
exposed sludge pile)
Northern Shrike -
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on April 9, 2014 at 02:58:05 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around noon today there was a Northern Shrike
hunting along the west side of cell 2 at the Bracebridge Ponds. All cells were
still iced in except for a very small area of open water in cell 3 by the
treatment plant outflow...a few Ring-billed Gulls, but no waterfowl seen.
Flood alert:
The trail to Henry Marsh from the Bracebridge
Ponds is badly flooded as you approach the "T" intersection at the
marsh. Currently you can still access Henry Marsh from Henry Rd., but the water
is flowing under the snowpacked trail as you approach the "T" and it
may be getting undercut...caution is warranted. The marsh itself is still iced
in.
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)
Pied-billed Grebes
Posted on April 9, 2014 at 02:37:10 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around 2 p.m. this afternoon we found two
Pied-billed Grebes on the Muskoka River near #1029 Beaumont Dr. At the big bend
in the river near Santa's Village there were three Wood Ducks (2M,1F), 3 Hooded
Mergansers, and a pair of Mallards. There were an additional 5 Hooded
Mergansers and a male Bufflehead near Henry Rd. A Great Blue Heron was standing
in a flooded corral at #1071 Beaumont Farm Rd. (Bracebridge)
Re(1): App?
Posted on April 10, 2014 at 08:06:52 AM by Al Sinclair
Could be WeBird that was announced a couple of
years ago but hasn't been released yet. Here is a link for more info. Read the
June 2013 update at the end. The problem they are having is the regional
variation of bird songs.
http://grow.cals.wisc.edu/environment/smart-birding
App?
Posted on April 9, 2014 at 01:57:42 PM by BryanGrant
Can other bird watchers help? I have been told
of a phone app that records a birds' song then tells me the species of bird
whose song it is.
Any of you on this board know of it ?
Eastern Kingbird
Posted on April 8, 2014 at 03:36:36 PM by janice house
Geoff saw the kingbird last night near the
Tomingas Rd, Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst.
Tree sparrow
Posted on April 8, 2014 at 12:05:19 PM by catmaclean
We have two Tree sparrows under the feeders
today in Huntsville as well as a few Juncoes
PBS - Bird Genius
Posted on April 8, 2014 at 09:56:51 AM by Barbara Taylor
PBS has a series that looks interesting:
Inside Animal Minds - Bird Genius
Airing Wednesday, April 9 at 9 pm on PBS
"Birds that craft tools and pick locks are
rewriting the rules of animal intelligence."
Robin
Posted on April 8, 2014 at 09:43:20 AM by TheCardys
First robin near Rosseau (Bear Cave Road)
today.
Northern Cardinal
Posted on April 7, 2014 at 08:15:29 PM by dinnymccraney
A cardinal was singing his heart out high atop
a tree on the east side of the hospital parking lot this morning at 8 a.m.
(Bracebridge)
Fox Sparrow
Posted on April 7, 2014 at 05:57:21 PM by Goodyear
We currently have a Fox Sparrow along with a
flock of 15 Juncos in our back yard. (Bracebridge)
Boreal Owl near
Huntsville in March ...photo
Posted on April 7, 2014 at 04:57:40 PM by Al Sinclair
Janine And Michael Lynch found this Boreal Owl
with the help of some Blue Jays on March 19, 2014. It was near North Waseosa Lk
Rd north of Huntsville. This is I believe the only Boreal Owl record for
Muskoka this winter. Photo
by Michael Lynch.
Song Sparrow
Posted on April 7, 2014 at 12:35:56 PM by catmaclean
Heard a Song Sparrow on Lake Dr. Huntsville this
am. Also heard a Killdeer in Huntsville yesterday.
American Bittern
Posted on April 7, 2014 at 12:02:39 PM by janice house
Saw a bittern flying overhead this morning on
my first dog walk, it was heading towards Bracebridge
Re(4): Phoebe
Posted on April 7, 2014 at 06:17:08 PM by Barb Staples
Phoebe here today at 11 am. Last year's arrival
was April 15. Sunny Lake, Gravenhurst.
Re(3): Phoebe
Posted on April 7, 2014 at 05:41:18 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Phoebe here in Bala today along with juncos.
Re(2): Phoebe
Posted on April 7, 2014 at 10:26:20 AM by TheCardys
First phoebe here this morning, outside of Rosseau.
It was spending some time on the south side of the house. Must be some insects
moving in the warm sun.
Re(1): Phoebe
Posted on April 7, 2014 at 10:19:22 AM by J. Gardner
First Phoebe sitting in a tree behind the
feeders. Also cowbirds in the feeders. J. Gardner Hurdville
Phoebe
Posted on April 7, 2014 at 09:50:37 AM by Debbie Adams
I was just out emptying the sap buckets and I
heard a Phoebe calling.
Not sure it's going to find many insects around
here with the snow cover. Each step to the sap buckets found my boot at least 6
inches deep in snow and now have 2 soakers to prove it. (Walker's Point)
Red-necked Grebe
Posted on April 6, 2014 at 06:24:39 PM by Goodyear
Around noon today there was a single Red-necked
Grebe on the river just off Hanna Park in Port Carling, along with a single
Bufflehead, three Lesser Scaup, several Common Mergansers, many Common
Goldeneyes, and a couple of Mallards. As we were watching the ducks we were
serenaded by a Cardinal and watched from above by a Bald Eagle.
Northern Harrier -
Bardsville
Posted on April 6, 2014 at 04:52:14 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around 3:45 p.m. today we watched a few Hawks
riding thermals, then soaring northward over the still snow-covered fields at
Bardsville...Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks, and a Northern Harrier. Also
several Turkey Vultures seen.
note: Beatrice Townline Rd. a bit north of
Falkenburg Rd. is starting to flood as it usually does in the spring, but today
was still ok to drive through.
Re(1): Killdeer -
Port Carling
Posted on April 7, 2014 at 11:53:11 AM by janice house
I heard one this morning on my doggy walk, Doe
Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Killdeer - Port
Carling
Posted on April 6, 2014 at 04:40:44 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon there was a Killdeer on a small
section of muddy shoreline by the boatlaunch at Hanna Park in Port Carling.
Woodcock
Posted on April 6, 2014 at 04:20:17 PM by diannawolfe
We were able to watch our first Woodcock of the
year from our dining room window, as it strutted its way along the sunny edge
of our wetland. (Kilworthy)
Sandhills
Posted on April 6, 2014 at 03:48:41 PM by J. Gardner
Sandhill Cranes made their presence known with
their booming calls, exactly one month later than last year. J.Gardner
Hurdville
Swans
Posted on April 6, 2014 at 08:17:54 AM by BLeann
Swans on Indian River, Port Carling. Oh, and a
deer! photo
Meadowlark
Posted on April 5, 2014 at 02:18:13 PM by J. Gardner
A neighbour phoned this morning to tell me that
there is an Eastern Meadowlark at her house. Poor thing is trying to make a
living on the mountains of snow still with us. J. Gardner Hurdville
kestrels
Posted on April 5, 2014 at 09:30:09 AM by John Challis
On a hydro line at Fifth Oro Line and Hwy 11, a
pair of kestrels. One stooped into the grass just as I drove by.
Also had a couple of song sparrows in Barrie
earlier in the week in a cluster of spruce trees behind the Zehrs on Cundles.
Re(1): GBH and
Mergansers
Posted on April 6, 2014 at 01:31:47 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning a Great Blue Heron flew low over
the still frozen Bracebridge Ponds and then continued north towards the Muskoka
River which is wide open. Two Common Mergansers were on the river near the Kerr
Park entrance. There were a few Red-winged Blackbirds singing at Henry Marsh
and two Turkey Vultures soared overhead. (Bracebridge)
note: the "T" in the trail to Henry
Marsh is still in good shape, but there is a strong flow of water out of the
marsh even though the marsh itself is still covered with ice. Flood conditions
look to be inevitable but for now it's still ok.
GBH and Mergansers
Posted on April 4, 2014 at 03:56:29 PM by Jim Griffin
The latest arrivals at Port Sydney are 2 pairs
of common mergansers and one Great Blue Heron which flew by and headed back
down river; its survival may depend on how many mice it can catch.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 3 April
Posted on April 4, 2014 at 09:24:26 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (April 4, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Knee-deep snow and very limited open water
continued this week. New arrivals
reported were Canada Goose, American Robin,
Eastern Meadowlark (one feeding
on sunflower seeds below Visitor Centre feeder
on the 2nd and 3rd), and
Common Grackle.
Northern Saw-whet Owls were calling in the
evening on the 30th at Centennial
Ridges Trail road, Lake of Two Rivers Picnic
Area, and Two Rivers Trail.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: A male was on the left side of
the trail at the end of the
long boardwalk on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the
31st, and perhaps the same
bird was reported on this trail on the 1st.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One was seen on Spruce
Bog Boardwalk on the 29th,
and one was along the Visitor Centre driveway
on the 30th.
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.
Young have hatched in four of the 25 nests
under surveillance by researchers
now.
Boreal Chickadee: One was noted along Opeongo
Road on the 30th.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Up to 15 were at the Visitor
Centre feeders this week. Small
flocks (total of 60 birds) were along Highway
60 on the 30th.
Red Crossbill: Two were along the highway
shoulder at Smoke Lake on the
30th.
White-winged Crossbill: Reported at the
following locations this week: km 25
(15 birds, including displaying males), Spruce
Bog Boardwalk, and Opeongo
Road.
Pine Siskin: Two were seen along Opeongo Road
on the 30th.
American Goldfinch: Small numbers continue to
be seen, at the Visitor Centre
feeders. One hundred were counted along Highway
60 on the 30th.
Evening Grosbeak: Up to 30 were at the Visitor
Centre feeders this week,
especially in the morning.
MAMMALS
A pine marten was reported in Mew Lake
Campground on the 29th, and a fisher
came to the Visitor Centre feeders (for the
first time this winter) early in
the morning on the 1st (but has not been seen
since).
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)
Re(1): Brown-headed
Cowbirds
Posted on April 4, 2014 at 03:55:14 PM by Alex Mills
I love cowbirds!
Re(1): Brown-headed
Cowbirds
Posted on April 4, 2014 at 10:19:20 AM by janice house
We have 3 feeding in the yard, yuk
Brown-headed
Cowbirds
Posted on April 4, 2014 at 07:18:30 AM by Goodyear
This morning we had two male cowbirds visit our
platform feeder. (Bracebridge)
Fox barking
Posted on April 3, 2014 at 10:09:51 PM by Doug Smith
There is a fox barking tonight just south and
west of the house, in Uffington,(on Hawn rd., east of Bracebridge).
Muskoka River
waterfowl
Posted on April 3, 2014 at 12:58:07 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning the Muskoka River in Bracebridge
was open all the way along Beaumont Dr. and out to the end of Beaumont Farm
Rd., but the mouth of the river at Lake Muskoka was still iced in. The cut by
George Rd. was open, and the channel was open between Alport Bay and the river.
Except for a large flock of Canada Geese near the channel, there were only a
few waterfowl so far...Common Goldeneye, Mallards, and a Hooded Merganser.
Merlin
Posted on April 3, 2014 at 09:31:05 AM by Doug Smith
Heard a merlin calling this morning, across the
road from our home on Hawn Road, east of Bracebridge.
Kestrel
Posted on April 2, 2014 at 06:16:34 PM by TheCardys
Saw my first Kestrel of the year on Windermere
rd near the intersection of Shea Rd. Nice male. He did perch on top of tree for
a quick shot.
Sorry for the poor quality, was a loooooong
ways out and only had the 70-200mm. photo
Sandhill Cranes
Posted on April 2, 2014 at 05:18:12 PM by John Challis
Gayle here: This afternoon I saw 6 sandhill
cranes flying over our car in Carden Twp. It was near Cameron Ranch, if folks
know where that is.
We also heard them calling earlier.
Such majestic birds
Re(1): Moth
Posted on April 2, 2014 at 08:07:34 AM by Al Sinclair
Likely one of the sallows. They overwinter as
adults and emerge early to feed on sap, a problem for people using open sap
pails.
Here is a link to photos of one of the most
common sallows here, variable in colour, the Straight-toothed Sallow.
http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/species.php?hodges=9933
Moth
Posted on April 2, 2014 at 00:17:34 AM by Barb Staples
There is a moth on my window right now. About
1.25 inches in length, 2" open wingspan, light tan wing colour, body only
slightly darker. Any guesses?
Re(1): Turkey
Vulture Orillia
Posted on April 2, 2014 at 07:49:35 AM by catmaclean
Saw two circling over Huntsville and
Bracebridge yesterday as well as flock of geese and we have a grackle at our
feeder in Huntsville.
Turkey Vulture
Orillia
Posted on April 1, 2014 at 04:31:58 PM by janice house
On the way home from Orillia today we saw a
vulture soaring near Webers