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Cooper's Hawk
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 02:58:57 PM by Barbara Taylor
A Cooper's Hawk was in our yard again this
morning...makes for very quiet birdwatching. It must have moved on because this
afternoon we have had all the "regulars" come to the feeders:
Northern Cardinal
Blue Jay
Hairy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Black-capped Chickadee
Mourning Dove
(Bracebridge)
Many hairy returns!
Posted on December 29, 2014 at 01:31:04 PM by michaelhatton
After a warm weather absence, the Hairy
Woodpeckers have returned to the feeders at Leonard Lake. photo
Female Barrow's
Goldeneye, Lake Muskoka
Posted on December 29, 2014 at 01:21:02 PM by michaelhatton
The Goodyear's continuing female Barrow's
Goldeneye (orange / pumpkin bill and puffier nape) seen hanging out with a male
Common Goldeneye this morning between Golden Point and McVittie's Island, Lake
Muskoka. photo1 photo2
Chipmunk
Posted on December 28, 2014 at 07:57:52 PM by
dinnymccraney
A chipmunk appeared under the feeder beside the
cedar hedge on Christmas Eve and again Christmas Day. Maybe it was Alvin!
(Bracebridge)
Common Goldeneyes -
Bala
Posted on December 28, 2014 at 02:50:13 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were eight Common Goldeneyes
below the Bala Falls, not too far out from the public boat launch on River
Street.
Northern Shrike
Posted on December 27, 2014 at 01:32:50 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around 11 a.m. today there was a Northern
Shrike perched high atop a dead tree north of cell 4 at the Bracebridge Ponds.
There was a single Common Redpoll feeding on some chicory seeds nearby, but the
Shrike seemed more interested in preening than finding a meal.
Pileated Woodpecker
Posted on December 26, 2014 at 08:40:59 PM by Terri
I have a Pileated Woodpecker coming to my suet feeder
everyday, he comes 1 to 3 times a day. Homemade suet with lots of goodies in it
including peanuts, cranberries, dried mealworms along with other stuff. He
seems to really enjoy it along with the Hairy Woodpeckers and Downy
Woodpeckers. Hwy 118 E between Bracebridge and Carnarvon. I'm enjoying seeing
lots of different birds.
Belted Kingfisher
Posted on December 26, 2014 at 05:24:59 PM by Jon Grandfield
Two belted kingfishers, N. Muskoka R. bridge,
district road 10, Port Sydney, about noon
Bohemian Waxwings -
Bracebridge
Posted on December 26, 2014 at 03:24:43 PM by michaelhatton
Approximately 40 observed at the south end of Coates
Ave, Bracebridge today at 11 a.m. photo
Photo taken at approximately 250 metres with an iPhone 5 through a spotting scope set to its minimum of 30x then cropped.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 25 December
Posted on December 26, 2014 at 03:02:20 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (December 26, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission
of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
A belated Merry Christmas and Good Birding in
2015!
The female Mallard first noted at the Park Lake
outlet on December 9 has
persisted all this week as well, being seen at
open water both north and
south of the highway. Winter records of this
duck are very rare in
Algonquin.
THE VISITOR CENTRE WILL BE CLOSED FROM DECEMBER
24 TO 26
BUT OPEN DAILY FROM DECEMBER 27 TO JANUARY 4
from
9 am to 5 pm. .
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: Two males and a female were high
in a balsam fir about 15
metres down the trail from the entrance at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on
December 22.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Try Spruce Bog
Boardwalk.
Gray Jay: Seen at the Visitor Centre, Spruce
Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo
Road again this week.
Boreal Chickadee: Look and listen for them
around the suet feeder near the
register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
WINTER FINCHES:
Common Redpoll: Up to seven were reported at
the Visitor Centre feeders this
week.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Re(1): Has anyone
seen a Porcupine lately and trail camera idea
Posted on December 26, 2014 at 03:56:38 PM by Barbara Taylor
There was a Porcupine walking through our back
yard at the end of May, but haven't seen it since.
See my report with photos May 30, 2014.
I think the last time we saw a Porcupine along
the trail between the Bracebridge Ponds and Henry Marsh was in 2005. We've seen
Fishers in that area many times in recent years, so perhaps the Porcupine
population has declined due to the Fishers' success.
Has anyone seen a
Porcupine lately and trail camera idea
Posted on December 25, 2014 at 10:11:04 PM by coreyhkh
I used to see them a lot more as a kid but its
been many years since I have come across a live one, has there population
declined?
Also I have been thinking about possibly using
a trail camera and putting it somewhere at Henry Marsh, it would have to be hidden
of course off the trail but it could be interesting to see whats out there.
Waxwings in Covered
Bridge
Posted on December 24, 2014 at 02:32:56 PM by jcogan
I've been seeing Waxwings all around Covered Bridge
neighborhood for a week or so now. I'm pretty sure they are Bohemian Waxwings.
This morning there were at least 140 of them in a tree in the backyards between
Coates and Keall. I heard them the moment I opened the door and was able to get
a picture so I could count them. What a lovely Christmas present for me!!
(Bracebridge)
barred owl at Henry
marsh
Posted on December 23, 2014 at 05:46:01 PM by coreyhkh
It was hunting over the marsh around noon
today.
Re(1): Barrows's
Goldeneye, Golden Point, Bracebridge
Posted on December 27, 2014 at 10:15:27 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Mark
Kubisz on ONTBIRDS (December 27, 2014) and is provided here with the kind
permission of the Ontario Field
Ornithologists.
The female Barrow's Goldeneye posted on ebird
by David and Regan Goodyear was present today and viewed (with the landowner's
permission) well from 1073 Golden Point Road.
I also checked the Henry Road Marsh where the
Sora had been seen, but could find no sign of it.
Directions: coming from the south, take exit
182 onto Hwy 118W. Turn left onto the Frank Miller Memorial Route. After about
5 km, turn left onto Golden Point Road. Follow it to its end.
Mark Kubisz
Scarborough, ON
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field
Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization.
Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca
For information about ONTBIRDS including how to
unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
Posting guidelines can be found at
http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
Barrow's Goldeneye
Posted on December 22, 2014 at 03:19:13 PM by Goodyear
The female Barrow's Goldeneye was at the mouth
of the Muskoka River again this afternoon around 2:30. It can be seen from the
property at the end of Golden Point Road on the right hand side (birders are
welcome). The Lake is frozen over, but there is a lead of open water. It was in
the company of two male Common Goldeneyes and two Buffleheads. Golden Point
Road is accessed off Golden Beach Road, between Boyer's Beach Road and
Patterson Kaye Lodge.
Buffleheads and
Canada Geese
Posted on December 21, 2014 at 03:05:30 PM by Goodyear
On the Muskoka River, about halfway between
Henry Road and Wellington Street Bridge, this afternoon around 1:30 - two
Buffleheads and two Canada Geese.
Re(1): Dead
Nashville Warbler
Posted on December 26, 2014 at 10:13:51 AM by DBurton
Could be another Elvis sighting? ;)
Dead Nashville
Warbler
Posted on December 21, 2014 at 02:59:41 PM by Goodyear
This morning, at the north end of the open
field north of the bridge at Henry Marsh, we found a dead Nashville Warbler,
seemingly caught in the crook of several stems on a short plant. The bird
seemed very fresh and wasn't wet, snow covered, or all that bedraggled. Perhaps
a late bird that died where it was perched?
Re(1): Henry Marsh
- Hooting Owl
Posted on December 21, 2014 at 10:48:14 AM by Al Sinclair
Long-eared Owl hoots were reported from there
several years ago during the breeding season. Wilf Yusek and I staked it out
for several hours and played calls but couldn't confirm it.
Henry Marsh -
Hooting Owl
Posted on December 21, 2014 at 08:20:32 AM by Goodyear
Late yesterday afternoon around 5:00 while
leaving Henry Marsh after watching the Sora, we heard several owl hoots. They were
evenly spaced, about two seconds apart, coming from the woods to the north and
west of the marsh. The hoots sounded too slow for a Great Gray, but much like
those of a Long-eared Owl. We listened for another twenty minutes or so, but
didn't hear the bird call again.
Huntsville
Christmas Bird Count: 16 December
Posted on December 20, 2014 at 04:09:29 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (December 18, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission
of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
The 21st Huntsville Christmas Bird Count was
held on Tuesday, December 16.
There was extensive open water on the larger
lakes and the Muskoka River was
entirely open. Overcast with temperatures from
1 to 2 C in the morning was
good for observing, but rain all afternoon
hampered the birds and the
birders.
Preliminary results show:
Total Species: 38 (average is 39)
Total Individuals: 2,666 (average is 3,100)
Participants: 23
New Species for the Count:
-None
Noteworthy Species:
-Ring-billed Gull: 1
-Gray Jay: 2
-Yellow-rumped Warbler: 1
-White-throated Sparrow: 1
Finches:
-Pine Grosbeak: 3
-Common Redpoll: 54
-Pine Siskin: 2
-American Goldfinch: 37
-Evening Grosbeak: 1
Thanks to all participants. It was a good count
given the afternoon
conditions.
Ron Tozer, Compiler
Dwight, ON
Bohemian Waxwings
Posted on December 20, 2014 at 01:00:00 PM by Goodyear
We just had a flock of about 20 Bohemian Waxwings
in our crab tree in our front yard - 117 Meadow Heights Bracebridge.
Re(1): Sora - gone?
Posted on December 22, 2014 at 01:01:21 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning around 11:30 a.m. we couldn't find
the Sora. There appeared to be dog paw prints by the little puddle of open
water where the bird was seen yesterday, and we saw a Mink poking around under
the bridge. There was also a Fisher crossing the trail just east of the
marsh...so lots of predators about. Perhaps the Sora was in hiding or has left.
If anyone sees it again, please let us know.
Re(1): Sora -
Sunday still there
Posted on December 21, 2014 at 02:20:34 PM by Goodyear
We found it this morning about 11:30 thirty
feet west of the open water. It was actively feeding and finding lots to eat.
Dragonfly larvae?
Re(1): Sora - Henry
Marsh (No sign of it this morning)
Posted on December 21, 2014 at 12:44:20 PM by michaelhatton
No sign of the Sora on Sunday morning. But
there was a busy beaver.
Re(1): Sora - Henry
Marsh
Posted on December 20, 2014 at 04:12:19 PM by Alex
Mills
According to Birds of Ontario (Sandilands
2011), only two were found on Ontario Christmas Bird Counts in the 1990s, so it
is an exceptional record. I'd be surprised if either of those two records was
this far north.
Re(1): Sora - photo
Posted on December 20, 2014 at 08:36:06 PM by Barbara Taylor
The Goodyears found the Sora in the same spot
late this afternoon. Here is a photo taken by David Goodyear: photo
Sora - Henry Marsh
Posted on December 20, 2014 at 12:36:17 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning we found a Sora at Henry Marsh
near the wooden footbridge where the outflow of water is keeping a bit of the
creek open. The bird appeared alert and seemed to be finding something to eat
at the edge of the water. It slowly worked its way along until disappearing
from view in a clump of cattails. (Bracebridge)
Is this a record late date for a Sora?
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 18 December
Posted on December 19, 2014 at 09:43:46 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (December 18, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission
of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Contrary to expectations, the female Mallard
continued to be seen at a small
patch of open water at the Park Lake outlet all
week. Despite being a
"sitting duck", she has survived!
A couple of Ruffed Grouse are coming regularly
for seed under the Visitor
Centre feeders.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo
Road.
Black-backed Woodpecker: A female was 20 metres
north of the Spruce Bog
Boardwalk parking lot on December 13.
Gray Jay: Seen at the Visitor Centre, Spruce
Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo
Road again this week.
Boreal Chickadee: Four were observed around the
suet feeder near the
register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on
December 14.
WINTER FINCHES:
Common Redpoll: Present in small numbers. From
zero to 12 were reported at
the Visitor Centre feeders on days this week.
Evening Grosbeak: One was at the Visitor Centre
feeders on December 15.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
DIRECTIONS:
Algonquin Provincial Park is three hours north
of Toronto, via Highways
400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs which start in
Toronto on Highway 400.
From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then
follow Highway 60 to the
park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the
Park go from the
West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56).
Get your park permit and Information Guide
(with a map of birding
locations mentioned here) at the East Gate or
the West Gate. Locations are
also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at
km 43 are open on weekends
from 9 am to 5 pm. There is access with limited
services on weekdays from 9
am to 4 pm. THE VISITOR CENTRE WILL BE CLOSED
FROM
DECEMBER 24 TO 26 BUT OPEN DAILY FROM DECEMBER
27 TO
JANUARY 4.
For more information see the Algonquin Park
events calendar at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/
Snowy Owl, Burk's
Falls
Posted on December 19, 2014 at 06:47:28 PM by Peter Mills
This afternoon at about 2:30 I observed a Snowy
Owl on Highway 520 just outside of Burk's Falls (between East Road and
"the big gravel piles"). photo
adult eagle near
Brandy lake
Posted on December 19, 2014 at 01:01:21 PM by Doug Smith
This morning there was an adult bald eagle
flying over the creek that feeds into Brandy Lake, along the 118 west near Port
Carling.
Juncos and redpolls
Posted on December 18, 2014 at 11:09:48 AM by GayleCarlyle
This morning I was lamenting that we didn't have
much variety at our feeders but then I noticed about 3 juncos at the niger
feeder and a few hours later, the redpolls arrived, about 4 of them. We're in
Washago by the way.
Cooper's Hawk
Posted on December 16, 2014 at 04:03:35 PM by Barbara
Taylor
An adult Cooper's Hawk has been hanging around
our yard today. So far all the regular feeder birds have discovered the Hawk's
hiding place and avoided being ambushed. (Bracebridge)
Re(1): Great
Black-backed Gull - photo
Posted on December 19, 2014 at 10:08:56 PM by Barbara Taylor
Did any of the Black-backed Gulls have bands?
In October 2011 one with band "0R5"
was spotted in Barrie. Turned out that it had been a nesting adult banded in
May 2011 as part of the Gulls of Appledore long-term research project at
Appledore Island, Isle of Shoals, Maine. You can read about the research at http://gullsofappledore.wordpress.com
Great Black-backed
Gull - photo
Posted on December 19, 2014 at 07:58:15 PM by Al Sinclair
From the Christmas Bird Count, a Great
Black-backed Gull at the Gravenhurst Landfill. Photo by Janice House. photo
Christmas Bird
Count - Full Summary
Posted on December 17, 2014 at 09:24:18 PM by Al Sinclair
35th Gravenhurst-Bracebridge Christmas Bird Count
Results ONGB
Held Sunday December 14, 2013
Temperature 0 to +2C
Larger lakes and moving water open
AM cloudy, some light drizzle PM cloudy, some
light drizzle
Snow depth 5 to 10 cm
Total species 43 (34 Gravenhurst 31
Bracebridge)(10 year average 36.9)
Total individuals 2590 (1505 Gravenhurst 1085
Bracebridge)(10 year average 2490)
New count species: None
New count highs: Great Black-backed Gull 11,
Bald Eagle 5, Barred Owl 4, Pileated Woodpecker 17
New count lows: none
Unusual species: Great Black-backed Gull,
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Bohemian Waxwing, Eastern Towhee
Finch species: Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin,
American Goldfinch
COMMON LOON - 2
GREAT BLUE HERON - CW
CANADA GOOSE - 2
AMERICAN BLACK DUCK - 1
MALLARD - 32
COMMON GOLDENEYE - 4
COMMON MERGANSER - 3
RED-TAILED HAWK - 2
BALD EAGLE - 5
RUFFED GROUSE - 2
WILD TURKEY - 29
RING-BILLED GULL - 3
HERRING GULL - 262
GLAUCOUS GULL - 6
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL - 11
ROCK PIGEON - 91
MOURNING DOVE - 135
BARRED OWL - 4
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER - 1
DOWNY WOODPECKER - 32
HAIRY WOODPECKER - 32
PILEATED WOODPECKER - 17
BLUE JAY - 350
AMERICAN CROW - 35
COMMON RAVEN - 87
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE - 610
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH - 38
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH - 76
BROWN CREEPER - 3
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET - 8
BOHEMIAN WAXWING - 1
CEDAR WAXWING - 24
NORTHERN SHRIKE - 1
EUROPEAN STARLING - 296
NORTHERN CARDINAL - 14
EASTERH TOWHEE - 1
AMERICAN TREE SPARROW - 17
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW - 1
DARK-EYED JUNCO - 50
SNOW BUNTING - 133
COMMON REDPOLL - 84
PINE SISKIN - 6
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH - 74
HOUSE SPARROW - 5
Gravenhurst-Bracebridge
Christmas Bird Count
Posted on December 15, 2014 at 07:55:25 PM by Al Sinclair
Quick update on the Gravenhurst-Bracebridge
Christmas Bird Count yesterday. 43 species. Some good birds: Red-bellied
Woodpecker, Eastern Towhee, Great Black-backed Gull, Glaucous Gull, Northern
Shrike, Bohemian Waxwing, Bald Eagle. More later. photo
Goshawk
Posted on December 15, 2014 at 12:53:19 PM by Barbara Taylor
Don Bailey reports there was an immature
Northern Goshawk this morning near the intersection of Brian Rd. and Meadow
Heights Dr. (Bracebridge)
Northern Shrike
Posted on December 15, 2014 at 07:08:33 AM by Goodyear
Yesterday afternoon,while making our last stop of
the day for the Christmas Bird Count, Regan, Linda, and I found a Northern
Shrike sitting at the top of a small tree in the field across from The Kia
dealership on Robert Dollar Drive, Bracebridge.
Christmas Bird
Count - yard list
Posted on December 14, 2014 at 05:02:06 PM by Barbara Taylor
Not much around our yard today (Bracebridge):
3 Hairy Woodpecker
2 Downy Woodpecker
2 White-breasted Nuthatch
2 Red-breasted Nuthatch
6 Black-capped Chickadee
4 Blue Jay
2 Mourning Dove
1 American Crow
Flying Squirrels
Posted on December 14, 2014 at 04:59:37 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon along the trail between the
Bracebridge Ponds and Henry Marsh we were pleasantly surprised to see three
Flying Squirrels moving through the trees. One landed on the trail ahead of us
before quickly taking cover under a log. This is the first time we've ever seen
any there, even though we've walked that trail many many times.
Birds seen along the way:
Ruffed Grouse
Pileated Woodpecker (a pair)
Hairy Woodpecker
Blue Jays
Black-capped Chickadees (at least 40!)
White-breasted Nuthatches
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Common Raven
Bohemian Waxwing
Posted on December 14, 2014 at 11:48:51 AM by missyinmuskoka
I saw a solitary Bohemian Waxwing feeding on
the last bit of winterberry on South Kahshe Lake Road today, I have a cell
phone image for ID purposes
Barred Owl
Posted on December 14, 2014 at 11:45:52 AM by missyinmuskoka
I noticed a Barred Owl as I walked down the
trail behind cell 4. There is a tree that fell across the trail... and the owl
was perched towards the open area just after that. I have a really bad cell
phone picture for ID purposes (Bracebridge)
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 11 December
Posted on December 13, 2014 at 01:33:54 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (December 11, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission
of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Even though it is not officially winter yet,
winter-like conditions prevail
in the Park now. The deepest parts of Smoke
Lake remain ice-free but all
other lakes along the Highway 60 Corridor are
covered with thin ice. About
20 cm of snow today enhanced the winter
scenery.
A female Mallard photographed at a patch of
open water at the outlet of Park
Lake on December 9 will soon depart, but the
one or two Wild Turkeys
occasionally seen along Highway 60 this week
will attempt to over-winter,
mostly without food provided by people. A
Ruffed Grouse is regular at the
Visitor Centre feeders early and late in the
day. The first Hoary Redpoll of
the winter in Algonquin was seen on December 2
(see below for details).
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
Opeongo Road.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk
and Opeongo Road.
One was seen at Opeongo Lake on December 10.
Gray Jay: Present at the Visitor Centre, Spruce
Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo
Road again this week.
Boreal Chickadee: One was observed at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk on December 6 and
7. This species may be starting to visit the
suet feeder near the register
box on this trail.
WINTER FINCHES:
Common Redpoll: From one to six were observed
each day at the Visitor Centre
feeders this week.
Hoary Redpoll: One with a Common Redpoll was seen
foraging on the ground at
the Opeonco Access Point on December 2.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Snowy Owl
Posted on December 12, 2014 at 05:29:35 PM by Peter Mills
I observed a single Snowy Owl on a fence post
on the west side of HWY 11 at Novar this afternoon (exit 235).
A second was seen just north of Orillia, also
from HWY 11.
Red Bellied
Woodpecker
Posted on December 12, 2014 at 03:03:12 PM by DanGoforth
A Red Bellied Woodpecker showed up at the
feeder about 2 weeks ago. He's back every morning when we put seed out. He
hasn't discovered the suet with the Downy, Hairy and Pileated yet.
(between Bracebridge & Gravenhurst - "Kilty Switch")
Re(2): Redpolls
Posted on December 12, 2014 at 03:00:27 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were about a dozen Redpolls
by the NW corner of cell 4 at the Bracebridge Ponds. There was a lot of chaff on
the snow under some Chicory plants...didn't know they would eat chicory seeds.
Re(1): Redpolls
Posted on December 11, 2014 at 05:06:05 PM by
tedthevideoman
Had about 15 show up mixed with Gold fiches at
the feeders this morning..120 Meadow Heights BB
Redpolls
Posted on December 8, 2014 at 03:00:55 PM by Debbie
Adams
Two Redpolls just showed up at our niger seed
feeder. We haven't seen them here for several years so we're hoping they'll
spread the word and their relatives show up too.
(Walker's Point)
Snow Buntings
Posted on December 7, 2014 at 02:48:36 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there
were a dozen Snow Buntings flying north towards Kerr Park. Five very vocal Common
Ravens were flying and "tumbling" above the frozen ponds...possibly
the family group from this past summer?
Barrow's Goldeneye
-Lake Muskoka - Photo
Posted on December 8, 2014 at 09:27:31 AM by Al Sinclair
Photo
by David Goodyear on Dec 6, 2014
Barrow's Goldeneye
-Lake Muskoka
Posted on December 6, 2014 at 05:41:25 PM by Goodyear
This afternoon, Regan and I observed a female
Barrow's Goldeneye off Golden Point, Lake Muskoka. It is probably the same bird
that we observed and photographed from the same location on November 15. We
sent photos of that bird to several experienced birders who all agreed that it
was an adult female Barrow's. We tried to relocate that bird over the next few
days but were unsuccessful. While scanning the lake this afternoon around 2:00
we think we refound the bird. It had a steeper forehead than the nearby female
Commons, an orange-yellow bill, and a pronounced mane at the back of its oval
shaped head. It was near a small flock of Common Goldneyes just out from the
mouth of the Muskoka River. The birds were slowly making their way out farther
into the lake, beyond the red buoy that marks the channel. Birders are welcome
to try to find the bird from the property (number 1073) at the end of Golden
Point Road on the right hand side, which is accessed off Golden Beach Road,
Golden Point Road is between Boyer's Beach Road and Patterson Kaye Lodge.
Re(1):
Golden-crowned Kinglets
Posted on December 15, 2014 at 12:57:45 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there were five Golden-crowned
Kinglets in the same area.
Golden-crowned
Kinglets
Posted on December 6, 2014 at 01:22:48 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were two Golden-crowned
Kinglets along the trail east of Henry Marsh near the first birdfeeder. They
seemed to be travelling with a small flock of Black-capped Chickadees.
(Bracebridge)
Directions to Henry Marsh: from traffic lights
at Eccelstone Dr. and Wellington St. in Bracebridge, head west on Beaumont Dr.
to Henry Rd.
See my Area trails map (click on trail sections and markers for
info/photos; click Map or Satellite button at bottom left to switch views)
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 4 December
Posted on December 5, 2014 at 08:39:17 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (December 4, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Only the larger lakes have any open water now.
Lake of Two Rivers became
ice-covered on November 29, the same date as
last year. This is the second
earliest date since records began in 1972. The
earliest ice-in date for this
lake was 28 November 1995.
The suet feeder is now in place near the
register box on Spruce Bog
Boardwalk. Gray Jays have been attracted so
far, but Boreal Chickadees
may start visiting it as in previous winters.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: One was reported roosting in a
tree along Beaver Pond Trail
on November 27, and one was seen on Spruce Bog
Boardwalk the same day.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Try Spruce Bog
Boardwalk and Opeongo Road.
Gray Jay: At the Visitor Centre, Spruce Bog
Boardwalk and Opeongo
Road again this week.
Boreal Chickadee: Try the black spruce section
along Opeongo Road and at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
WINTER FINCHES: Very limited numbers and
species variety reported.
Pine Grosbeak: Two were near the Visitor Centre
on November 28.
Evening Grosbeak: One was at the Visitor Centre
feeders on November 27,
but the species has not been reported 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)
Dwight, ON
Squirrel eats mouse
Posted on December 3, 2014 at 01:01:40 PM by GayleCarlyle
We have been using mouse traps in our basement
to rid ourselves of the pesky creatures. We then throw the dead mice out into
the bush for weasels, fox, whatever to eat.
Today around noon I looked out our back window
to see a black squirrel sitting up in a tree chowing down on a frozen dead
mouse. I've heard of squirrels robbing bird's nests but I wouldn't have thought
they'd eat a dead mouse.
But I guess when you're hungry...
Re(2): Barred Owl
Posted on December 5, 2014 at 04:21:35 PM by Barbara Taylor
Don Bailey reports there was a Barred Owl in
their yard this afternoon. We live nearby and this morning I noticed a large
wing print in the snow near a shrew exit hole under our birdfeeder...perhaps
the Owl had breakfast here. (Bracebridge)
Re(1): Barred Owl
near Bracebridge does 180 head turn
Posted on January 5, 2015 at 01:34:01 PM by Terri
Great picture Al.
Re(1): Barred Owl near
Bracebridge does 180 head turn
Posted on December 3, 2014 at 08:35:16 PM by Doug Smith
Beautiful photo Al -- you can almost imagine it
is a spotted owl in the depths of old growth forest in B.C....
Barred Owl near
Bracebridge does 180 head turn
Posted on December 2, 2014 at 07:12:06 PM by Al Sinclair
There's been quite a few Barred Owl photos
posted lately on Ontario Birds and other sites. Here's another, taken in low
light with snow falling. We spotted this owl still watching our feeders when we
got up yesterday morning. When I went outside with my camera and squeaked and
it snapped its head around backwards to look at me. It left a few minutes
later. photo
Evening Grosbeak
Posted on December 1, 2014 at 04:52:51 PM by janice
house
I heard an evening grosbeak calling this
morning, also gold finch and snow buntings ( Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst )
Bald Eagle
Posted on November 29, 2014 at 10:42:39 AM by Debbie
Adams
Just watched a Baldy soaring slowly overhead of
our home. It was flying rather low and sorry I didn't have a camera handy. I've
seen it several times over the past 2 months.
(Walker's Point)
Redpolls
Posted on November 27, 2014 at 01:44:09 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were four Common Redpolls in
the alders north of cell 4 at the Bracebridge Ponds. A Red-tailed Hawk was
perched on a light standard by the old treatment plant. (note: all cells are
frozen over)
Moth ID?
Posted on November 24, 2014 at 06:05:24 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon I noticed this tiny moth outside
on our window. I don't recall seeing one here before, so a bit odd for it to
show up in late November. (Bracebridge)
Could it be a Snowy-shouldered Acleris? photo
3510
– Acleris nivisellana – Snowy-shouldered Acleris Moth
reference: http://bugguide.net/node/view/58615
Great Blue Heron
Posted on November 24, 2014 at 04:29:25 PM by janice
house
One flew over the house yesterday just before
noon, heading south........Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Thayer's Gull,
Minden
Posted on November 23, 2014 at 08:14:19 PM by EdPoropat
Hi everyone,
1st winter Thayer's Gull at the Minden dump
today, as well as a 1st winter Iceland, and a 2nd winter Great Black-backed. 2
Bald Eagles also (1 adult and a 1st year bird).
Haliburton dump had a single adult Ring-billed
Gull, at least 4 Glaucous Gulls, a 1st winter Great Black-backed Gull, and
again 2 Bald Eagles (an adult and a 3rd year bird).
Cheers,
Ed
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 20 November
Posted on November 23, 2014 at 03:58:48 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (November 20, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission
of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Big snowfall (about 68 cm over three days in
western Algonquin Park),
Highway 60 closure today, gusty winds and few
birders - all severely limited
observations this week.
A light morph adult Rough-legged Hawk in the
Eos Lake and Ring-neck Pond
area from November 14 to 16 was unusual here
for lingering.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
Opeongo Road.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Try Spruce Bog
Boardwalk and Opeongo Road.
Gray Jay: At the Visitor Centre, Spruce Bog
Boardwalk and Opeongo
Road this week.
Boreal Chickadee: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
Opeongo Road..
WINTER FINCHES:
Pine Siskin: Numbers slowly increasing at the
Visitor Centre feeders, with
13 there on November 19.
American Goldfinch: Declining numbers at the Visitor
Centre feeders, with
only one on November 19.
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)
RB Nuthatch, Bala
Posted on November 23, 2014 at 09:40:04 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Very happy to see a Red breasted Nuthatch
around yesterday. They disappeared as my feeders ran out of seed while I was away
the latter part of August and September. They make my day!
possible great
horned owl in Bracebridge
Posted on November 21, 2014 at 07:06:21 PM by Doug Smith
at approx 5 this afternoon a very large, dark
and 'heavy' owl flew over Ecclestone Drive near the former Dura plant in
Bracebridge. The light was poor, but it seemed it was a great-horned owl.
Re(1): Red Winged
Black Bird & Eastern Towhee
Posted on November 26, 2014 at 11:45:32 AM by janice house
E.T. appeared this morning after I filled the
feeders and was also doing the tow-hee call, I have not seen her since Sunday
morning and assumed she made her way south with the break in the weather
Red Winged Black
Bird & Eastern Towhee
Posted on November 20, 2014 at 10:32:25 AM by janice
house
I was out before the birds awoke to shovel
under my feeders near the cedar hedge. E.T. is still here and a male red-winged
black bird was feeding along with the regulars (Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst)
Re(1): Robin
Posted on November 20, 2014 at 04:12:23 PM by janice
house
I saw one on Sunday, it flew up from the side
of Beaumont Drive near the Parrett farm house (across the river from Santa's
Village)
Re(1): Robin
Posted on November 20, 2014 at 12:42:26 PM by J. Gardner
I believe it was Barbara's robin that I saw
this morning standing in the driveway looking terribly out of place. J. Gardner
Robin
Posted on November 19, 2014 at 02:45:35 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This afternoon there was a Robin in an
ornamental crabapple tree near #50 Meadow Heights Dr., Bracebridge.
another eagle near
Port Carling
Posted on November 19, 2014 at 11:10:59 AM by Doug Smith
There is a sub-adult eagle in a field on the
north side of the 118 west, just west of the Brackenrig road turnoff. It seemed
to be feeding on a carcass in the snow. Several ravens were keeping it company.
Re(1): Waxwings and
fermented berries article
Posted on November 18, 2014 at 12:52:55 PM by J. Gardner
Have seen robins, tipsy from eating once-frozen
fruit, at Hurdville (Manitoubing) and at King City. J. Gardner
Waxwings and
fermented berries article
Posted on November 18, 2014 at 10:19:22 AM by Barbara Taylor
Has anyone ever noticed any "drunk"
birds in our area? Here's an article about Whitehorse birds:
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/11/17/whitehorse_birds_are_getting_drunk_on_fermented_berries.html
Re(1): Common Loons
Posted on November 23, 2014 at 02:53:19 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Two Common Loons were in the bay near the
entrance to Touchstone Resort this morning. Also some Common Goldeneyes,
Buffleheads, and Mallards.
Common Loons
Posted on November 16, 2014 at 04:12:08 PM by Barbara Taylor
Two Common Loons were in Alport Bay this
afternoon. (seen from Beaumont Dr., Bracebridge)
Three Buffleheads were riding the waves by
Kirby's Beach, but no sign of the Bald Eagle reported earlier.
Re(1): Fox with
dinner
Posted on November 17, 2014 at 02:47:38 PM by George Bryant
Stub-tailed Squirrels.
They seem to be more often overweight city park
squirrels. My theory is the squirrel leaps between branches but the tail gets
wedged between them and snaps off--but I've never had confirmation of this.
Fox with dinner
Posted on November 16, 2014 at 02:05:34 PM by Barbara Taylor
Don and Bev Bailey had a fox visit their yard
last week. They watched it sneak up on a squirrel that was too busy eating
sunflower seeds under their feeder to notice. Bev took this photo as the fox
trotted out their driveway with its prize. We live nearby and have two squirrels
that are missing half their tails...hmmm. (Bracebridge) photo
Re(1): White-winged
Scoters and Redpolls
Posted on November 23, 2014 at 07:11:20 AM by janice
house
Yesterday at Muskoka Beach there was a loon,
the two scoters, several common mergansers and common goldeneyes. At the Wharf,
mallards, red breasted merganser female, common mergansers, common goldeneyes,
buffleheads and herring gulls
White-winged
Scoters and Redpolls
Posted on November 16, 2014 at 01:54:13 PM by Goodyear
This afternoon we saw two White-winged Scoters
at Muskoka Beach in Gravenhurst and a flock of six Common Redpolls feeding along
the shoreline at the Wharf in Gravenhurst. There were over 80 Herring Gulls and
a single Ring-billed Gull on the docks next to the Segwun.
Re(2): Bald Eagle
at Kirby's Beach - photo
Posted on November 17, 2014 at 10:42:05 AM by Debbie
Adams
As the crows flies….or in the case an eagle…we
are in the path of Kirby's Beach (on the west side of Lake Muskoka) and I saw a
bald eagle fly over Sunday morning. Maybe it was the same bird? It stopped in a
treetop along the shoreline for a few minutes, then took off towards
Bracebridge. (Walker's Point)
Re(1): Bald Eagle
at Kirby's Beach - photo
Posted on November 16, 2014 at 09:54:33 PM by Barbara Taylor
Bill Dickinson sent this photo of the Bald Eagle
which was observed this morning by Walter and Donna Ried. The Eagle is flying
away with a Bufflehead in its talons - photo taken by Donna. photo
Bald Eagle at
Kirby's Beach, Bracebridge
Posted on November 16, 2014 at 10:22:30 AM by Al Sinclair
Bill Dickinson just called that he just had a
report of an adult Bald Eagle fishing at Kirby's Beach this morning. It was
observed catching and eating a fish. Follow Beaumont Dr west from Bracebridge
to the Kirby's Beach turn off.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 13 November
Posted on November 15, 2014 at 07:36:42 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (November 14, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission
of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: One was seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk
on November 12.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One was along Spruce
Bog Boardwalk on November 11.
Gray Jay: Reported at the Visitor Centre,
Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo
Road this week.
Boreal Chickadee: Two were noted at Spruce Bog Boardwalk
on November 11.
WINTER FINCHES: Small numbers so far but good
variety.
Pine Grosbeak: One was at Spruce Bog Boardwalk
on November 11.
Purple Finch: Last report was on November 6.
Perhaps none left.
Red Crossbill: Four observed along the Old
Railway Bike Trail at Head Creek
Marsh on November 9. (Access bike trail at Old
Airfield and walk west toward
Cache Lake.)
White-winged Crossbill: One noted along the Old
Railway Bike Trail at Head
Creek Marsh on November 9.
Common Redpoll: One was observed at the Visitor
Centre on November 9 and 11,
the latter in a goldfinch flock. Twelve were
seen along the Old Railway Bike
Trail at Head Creek Marsh on November 9.
Pine Siskin: One was at the Visitor Centre
feeders on November 13.
American Goldfinch: About 20 birds were regular
at the Visitor Centre
feeders this week.
Evening Grosbeak: Two females came to the
Visitor Centre feeders on November
13.
ADDITIONAL SPECIES:
Ruffed Grouse: One is visiting the Visitor
Centre feeders regularly in the
early morning.
Bohemian Waxwing: Six were feeding on
Winterberry Holly (Ilex) berries along
the Old Railway Bike Trail at Head Creek Marsh
on November 9. One was seen
at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on November 11.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Re(1): Eastern
Towhee
Posted on November 17, 2014 at 11:57:20 AM by janice
house
the bird is still here, stocked up on bird seed
yesterday
Re(1): Eastern
Towhee
Posted on November 16, 2014 at 02:38:35 PM by DBurton
Keep that spot shovelled Janice!
Eastern Towhee
Posted on November 15, 2014 at 04:53:34 PM by janice
house
I just got photos of a towhee with the juncos
and tree sparrows feeding in our back yard beside our cedar hedge ( Doe Lake Rd
Gravenhurst)
Re(1): Buffleheads,
Kinglets
Posted on November 16, 2014 at 12:26:59 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there was
a bit of open water in cell 3 by the outflow from the treatment plant...only
four Buffleheads and a Mallard. Along the trail west of the Ponds there were a
few Golden-crowned Kinglets, American Tree Sparrows, Blue Jays, and many
Black-capped Chickadees. There were also three sets of Ruffed Grouse tracks
crossing the trail and one set of Wild Turkey tracks.
Black Duck at
frozen Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on November 14, 2014 at 03:05:35 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds we found
a single American Black Duck standing on the ice in cell 3. A pair of Mallards
were in the aeration treatment pond as this was the only open water...all cells
now iced in. Henry Marsh was also frozen over. Several Chickadees were along
the trail between the Ponds and the Marsh looking for sunflower seed handouts.
Great Blue Heron
Posted on November 14, 2014 at 01:31:46 PM by janice
house
Yesterday at 4pm a heron flew over Hammonds on
Ecclestone Drive in Bracebridge heading in the direction of Muskoka Falls
siskin
Posted on November 14, 2014 at 11:12:10 AM by John Challis
Had a pine siskin at our feeder yesterday
(Washago). It hasn't shown up today yet. There was also a small group of hooded
mergansers in a bay of the Green River just west of Severn Pines. One bold male
displaying his head feathers - females completely uninterested.
Re(1): Snow
Buntings
Posted on November 16, 2014 at 04:34:38 PM by janice
house
There were 70+ at the Muskoka Airport today
Re(1): Snow
Buntings
Posted on November 16, 2014 at 03:58:01 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon there were five Snow Buntings
feeding at the edge of Beaumont Dr. where the road leaves the river and cuts
through the fields. These are the first ones we've seen this fall.
(Bracebridge)
Snow Buntings,
Wahta Reserve
Posted on November 13, 2014 at 12:32:59 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Yesterday afternoon about 3 pm approx 30 Snow
Buntings flew up from the side of the road in Wahta.
Huntsville Nature
Club November Meeting
Posted on November 13, 2014 at 11:52:18 AM by BevEaston
On Tuesday, November 25, the Huntsville Nature
Club meeting will feature a presentation by club members Marg and Scott
Winchester and Jim and Lyn Griffin concerning their trips to the Galapagos
Islands, Peru and Ecuador. The talk will feature a photo and video tour with
special emphasis on birds and other wildlife. The meeting is at St. Andrews
Presbyterian Church Hall, on West Street, starting at 7 pm. Guests are always
welcome. A $3 donation is appreciated.
For more information regarding the Huntsville
Nature Club, contact Ken Morrison (705) 789-1407.
sub-adult bald
eagle
Posted on November 12, 2014 at 06:27:32 PM by Doug Smith
There was a sub-adult bald eagle over the
Fenner-Dunlop plant in Bracebridge around 2pm today. A crow spent a short time
harrassing it, but the eagle stayed aloft and then gradually drifted south.
Dunlin -
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on November 10, 2014 at 12:38:58 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning as we walked along the north side
of cell 3 a Dunlin flew up and called as it circled around, finally touching
down on the roadway for a short time before flying off to the west (to Henry
Marsh?). A single Evening Grosbeak was calling as it flew past heading south.
An adult Red-tailed Hawk was finishing off a meal as it perched at the west
side of cell 4. Still lots of Buffleheads, a few Lesser Scaup, Hooded
Mergansers, a pair of Green-winged Teal, three American Black Ducks, Mallards,
Common Goldeneye, and a male Wood Duck.
(addendum: just checked the Bird Board Archives...last year on Nov. 12 there was a Dunlin standing on a bit of ice at the shoreline of cell 4 but it was gone by the next day when all the cells became frozen over - could this be the same Dunlin, late again?!)
The usual suspects
at Leonard Lake
Posted on November 9, 2014 at 10:22:23 PM by michaelhatton
Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Goldfinches,
Chickadees, Blue Jays, White Breasted Nuthatches and Juncos were out in force
today at Leonard Lake.
photo1 photo2 photo3 photo4 photo5
Buffleheads
Posted on November 9, 2014 at 10:07:15 PM by michaelhatton
More than 400 Buffleheads at the Bracebridge
lagoons this afternoon. Most were in cell 4, but at least some were in each of
the other three. photo
Golden Eagle,
Minden
Posted on November 9, 2014 at 02:09:29 PM by EdPoropat
Hi everyone,
Some decent birds kicking around the area
between Haliburton and Minden.
Golden Eagle - an immature bird soaring over
the Minden Dump today at 11:30am
Wilson's Snipe - 1 seen and photographed
yesterday near Lochlin (S of Haliburton)
Great Black-backed Gull - 2 immature birds at
the Haliburton dump and one 1st year bird at the Minden Dump.
Kumlien's Gull - 2 dark 1st winter birds at the
Haliburton Dump today at 1:00pm.
Cheers,
Ed Poropat
Haliburton, ON
FeederWatch live
cam
Posted on November 8, 2014 at 10:29:46 AM by Barbara Taylor
If you don't have a birdfeeder or you'd like to
see some Evening Grosbeaks, you can watch a live FeederWatch cam located in
Manitouwadge, Ontario, courtesy of The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Go to: http://cams.allaboutbirds.org/channel/38/FeederWatch_Cam/
As I post this, the Blue Jays are coming in for
peanuts so the Evening Grosbeaks keep getting bopped off the feeder...lots of
action...turn on your speakers to hear them calling.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 6 November
Posted on November 8, 2014 at 10:09:59 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (November 7, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Noteworthy species this week included a
BOHEMIAN WAXWING and a
PINE GROSBEAK at the Old Airfield on November
3.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: Reported again this week along
the edge of Opeongo Road in
the black spruce section.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Found in the Wolf Howl
Pond/West Rose Lake area.
Gray Jay: Seen along the rail bed section of
Mizzy Lake Trail; along Opeongo
Road; and at the Visitor Centre.
Boreal Chickadee: Three were seen along the
border of the Old Airfield.
WINTER FINCHES:
Pine Grosbeak: The first of the fall (and in
2014) was at the Old Airfield
on November 3.
Purple Finch: One was at the Visitor Centre
today.
Common Redpoll: Lev Frid reported several
moving through this week.
American Goldfinch: A few still present but
most appear to have left.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Snow Buntings -
Algonquin
Posted on November 4, 2014 at 03:12:15 PM by michaelhatton
Yesterday (November 3) seemed to be a Snow Bunting
day. Saw several on the Mizzy Lake Trail, enjoying the sandy areas near West
Rose Lake (along with the usual suspects - Gray Jays, Blue Jays, Chickadees,
Black-backed Woodpecker, Golden Crowned Kinglet). The Buntings pretty much
ignored me from a distance of a few feet. I also saw several groups just west
of the East Gate. photo1
photo2
Re(3): Leucistic
... in Huntsville?
Posted on November 6, 2014 at 03:00:26 PM by rick
stronks
Here is another shot that shows the bird
looking more like a chickadee (David LeGros photo). photo
Re(2): Leucistic
... in Huntsville?
Posted on November 6, 2014 at 07:17:51 AM by Ron Tozer
This bird is a leucistic Black-capped
Chickadee. It was heard giving chickadee vocalizations on November 3.
Re(1): Leucistic
... in Huntsville?
Posted on November 4, 2014 at 10:34:00 PM by michaelhatton
I now see that there is a record on ebird
describing this particular example (same location, yesterday) as a Chickadee.
See http://ebird.org/ebird/canada/view/checklist?subID=S20432730 . I felt this
example lacked the "plumpness" of a Chickadee but perhaps it is
simply being excluded from some of the feeding opportunities given its
differences.
Re(1): Leucistic
... in Huntsville?
Posted on November 4, 2014 at 09:59:45 PM by Doug Smith
Could it be a chickadee?
Re(1): Leucistic
... in Huntsville?
Posted on November 4, 2014 at 04:19:57 PM by
tedthevideoman
looks like Goldfinch to me
Leucistic ... in
Huntsville?
Posted on November 4, 2014 at 02:43:55 PM by michaelhatton
This bird was trying to hang out with
Chickadees and WB Nuthatches at 44 Homestead, Huntsville. The Nuthatches kept
shoving it off the feeder. Body shape suggested a Nuthatch but the bill seems
too short. Suggestions? photo
photo2
Oh yah, there was also that Varied Thrush continuing to hang out. photo
Re(7): Varied
Thrush in Huntsville
Posted on November 12, 2014 at 06:28:06 AM by Ron Tozer
The Varied Thrush was reported to have been last
observed on Sunday, November 9.
Re(6): Varied
Thrush in Huntsville
Posted on November 6, 2014 at 03:21:42 PM by Ron Tozer
The Varied Thrush was reported to be still
coming to the feeder today (November 6).
Re(5): Varied
Thrush in Huntsville
Posted on November 5, 2014 at 03:58:42 PM by rick
stronks
I just talked to Sylvia and the bird has been
seen today again.
Re(4): Varied
Thrush in Huntsville
Posted on November 4, 2014 at 08:27:17 AM by Goodyear
Still present this morning (Tuesday). Seen
between 7:00 and 7:30. Thank you to homeowners Sylvia and Richard for allowing
us to lurk around your house so early in the morning!
Re(3): Varied
Thrush in Huntsville
Posted on November 3, 2014 at 08:08:26 PM by Rick
Stronks
We saw the bird around 4 pm today. Here is a
photo Ken Morrison took earlier in the day. photo
Re(2): Varied Thrush
in Huntsville
Posted on November 3, 2014 at 04:03:33 PM by Ron Tozer
Richard and Sylvia Wakelin can be reached at
(705) 788-2833 if you wish to check on the continued presence of the Varied
Thrush.
Re(1): Varied
Thrush in Huntsville
Posted on November 3, 2014 at 03:30:33 PM by Ron Tozer
Saw the Varied Thrush well just four minutes
after we arrived at 2:20 pm. Feeding area can be observed without disturbing
the bird by peaking around the back corner on the right side of the house. The
bird was first observed yesterday.
Directions: Homestead Lane is at least a couple
of kilometres north of Highway 60 on Muskoka Road 3 North.
Varied Thrush in
Huntsville
Posted on November 3, 2014 at 01:19:32 PM by Ron Tozer
Ken Morrison advises that he photographed an
adult male Varied Thrush this morning which has been coming to the feeder of
Richard and Sylvia Wakelin at 44 Homestead Lane, Huntsville. The Wakelins
welcome birders who may wish to see the bird but ask that you come to the front
door since the feeder is located in their backyard and the Varied Thrush is
likely to be spooked if approached in the yard.
Directions: Go north on Muskoka Road 3 North
from Highway 60 and soon you will come to Homestead Lane, a left hand turn.
Goldfinches, Bala
Posted on November 3, 2014 at 12:57:36 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
I always leave the plants of my prairie meadow
that grow on my septic bed until spring to clean up. Right now there is a
family of give American Goldfinches making little apple cores of the
coneflowers and black-eyed Susans. It is always nice to know that sometimes
your plans work out.
Wild Turkeys
Posted on November 2, 2014 at 01:33:50 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around noon today there were 19 Wild Turkeys
parading through the field north of Ziska Rd. a bit west of Baldwin Rd.
Kumlein's, Northern
Herring, and Great Black-backed Gulls, Haliburton...
Posted on November 1, 2014 at 08:30:37 PM by EdPoropat
Greetings,
Some good gulls showing up in Haliburton this
fall. Today, while doing my weekly landfill visit, I checked the many Herring
and Ring-billed Gulls and found:
1. A dark, first-winter Kumlein's Gull;
2. A juvenile Northern Herring Gull (high
Arctic origin!);
3. An adult Great Black-backed Gull (on Head
Lake).
All photographed. Thanks to Ron Pittaway for
confirmation.
Still a lingering immature White-throated
Sparrow at my feeder.
Good birding,
Ed Poropat
Haliburton, ON
Buffleheads Galore
Posted on November 1, 2014 at 04:53:29 PM by michaelhatton
This afternoon at the lagoons in Bracebridge -
200 Buffleheads with the majority in Cell 4. Also, Lesser Scaup, Hooded
Mergansers, Mallards, Ring-billed Gulls and the lonely Coot still sticking
around in Cell 1. photo1
photo2 photo3
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 30 October
Posted on November 1, 2014 at 01:36:50 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (October 30, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Single Golden Eagles over the Visitor Centre
yesterday and at Lookout Trail today were noteworthy.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: Reported this week along the
edge of Opeongo Road in the black spruce section, early in the morning.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Found in the Wolf Howl
Pond/West Rose Lake area; on Spruce Bog Boardwalk after the first boardwalk;
and on Lookout Trail.
Gray Jay: Seen along the rail bed section of
Mizzy Lake Trail; along Opeongo Road; and at the Visitor Centre.
Boreal Chickadee: Observations were at km 4 on
Arowhon Road; near Wolf Howl Pond; and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: One was at the Visitor Centre on
October 27, and two were noted along Opeongo Road today. Most have departed.
Common Redpoll: More were observed this week,
with 15 on Lookout Trail and 20 along Opeongo Road today.
Pine Siskin: Small numbers were noted, usually
calling in flight.
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)
Turkey Vulture
Posted on November 1, 2014 at 01:05:56 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there was a lone Turkey Vulture
soaring southward over the Bracebridge Ponds...a bit late to see one here. Lots
of Buffleheads today. A Common Merganser was in cell 4, diving frequently.
Evening Grosbeak
Posted on October 31, 2014 at 08:47:07 PM by janice
house
We had two males at our feeders today, Doe Lake
Rd Gravenhurst
Long-Tailed Duck
Posted on October 25, 2014 at 06:40:38 PM by janice
house
One long-tailed duck was in cell 4 today at the
Bracebridge ponds (4pm)
Snow buntings and
N. shrike
Posted on October 25, 2014 at 02:45:18 PM by Doug Smith
There is a small flock of snow buntings feeding
along Southwood Rd, just past Ridge Rd. near the bridge. My son said they have
been there all this past week. This afternoon I saw 7, and when I went back to
check for other possibilities a Northern Shrike chased them briefly, then kept
flying into the wetlands there. It may have been an immature bird.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 23 October
Posted on October 25, 2014 at 12:07:37 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (October 23, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Algonquin Park is not known as a place to see
hawk migration and so
Lev Frid's report of the following from the
cliff top at Lookout Trail on
October 22 was noteworthy: Turkey Vulture (18),
Bald Eagle (4),
Northern Harrier (1), Northern Goshawk (3),
Red-tailed Hawk (12),
Rough-legged Hawk (1) and Golden Eagle (2).
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: There were recent sightings near
Wolf Howl Pond on
Mizzy Lake Trail.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Reported in the Wolf
Howl Pond/West
Rose Lake area.
Gray Jay: Seen at Wolf Howl Pond and West Rose
Lake; at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk; along Opeongo Road; and at the
Logging Museum.
Boreal Chickadee: Observations near Wolf Howl
Pond and along
Opeongo Road.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: Still a few being observed, but
becoming much less frequent.
White-winged Crossbill: Six were at the Old
Airfield on October 22.
Common Redpoll: Four observed by Lev Frid at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on
October 22 were the first this fall.
Pine Siskin: Small numbers were noted, usually
calling in flight.
American Goldfinch: Few reports. Most may have
left.
Evening Grosbeak: Singles and very small groups
reported.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Re(1): American
Wigeon
Posted on October 30, 2014 at 02:24:54 PM by Barbara Taylor
We found the Wigeon in cell 1 this morning,
shortly after she was "flushed" out of that small pond by a couple of
trucks dumping waste there. The Coot was still in cell 1. The Red-tailed Hawk
was once again hunting at the east side of cell 3.
American Wigeon
Posted on October 29, 2014 at 09:36:03 PM by Goodyear
This afternoon, in addition to the ducks seen
by Barbara, there was a single female American Wigeon in the small
cattail-ringed dumping pond north of cell 1.
Re(1): American
Coot
Posted on October 29, 2014 at 03:12:10 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there was still one Coot in cell 1
in the SW corner along with a lone Wood Duck. Two Green-winged Teal were in
cell 3. Other species seen were Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck,
Hooded Merganser, American Black Duck, Common Goldeneye, and Mallard. A few
American Tree Sparrows and White-crowned Sparrows were west of cell 3. An adult
Red-tailed Hawk was hunting at the east side of cell 3. Two very vocal Common
Ravens were flying around the area.
American Coots
Posted on October 25, 2014 at 12:00:49 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there
were three Coots - cells 1 and 2. We counted at least 22 Hooded Mergansers in
cell 4 along with a pair of Ring-necked Ducks, and many Buffleheads, Common
Goldeneyes, and Mallards. A Wood Duck and an American Black Duck were in cell
2. Several Lesser Scaup were in cell 3. There were lots of American Tree
Sparrows along the west side of cell 3. A Mink was hunting the weedy edges of
the roadway south of cell 2, crossing the road a few times ahead of us.
Pine Siskins
Posted on October 23, 2014 at 11:21:34 AM by Wayne Bridge
Had a flock of pine siskins invade the feeders
this morning at 11:15 [Kearney jst north of Huntsville].
Cackling Goose?
Posted on October 22, 2014 at 01:26:04 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there was a bird which appeared to
be a small version of a Canada Goose on cell 3 at the Bracebridge Ponds. Its
bill seemed smaller than normal, but no scope so couldn't see detail. As a
flock of Canada Geese flew in from the north, the smaller goose called out and
its voice seemed a bit higher pitched/squeaky compared to the calls of the
other geese. It stayed on the pond while the other geese landed on the grass by
the treatment plant.
There were two American Coots - in cell 1 and
cell 3. Three Red-tailed Hawks flew overhead as they headed south.
Sandhill Cranes -
Bent River
Posted on October 21, 2014 at 04:52:39 PM by janice
house
My brother just called, 3 V's of approximately
70 cranes just flew over heading for Lake Rosseau
red-bellied
woodpecker
Posted on October 19, 2014 at 03:13:07 PM by John Challis
We've had a red- bellied at the sunflower seed
feeder this afternoon. It's also poking around the basswood with all the
sapsucker holes in it. Green River Drive, Washago
Lesser Black-backed
Gull, Haliburton...
Posted on October 18, 2014 at 04:16:59 PM by EdPoropat
Hi all,
Haven't posted in a while. I found a 1st year
LBBG today at the Haliburton landfill, my first in the county. I went back home
to grab my camera but could not re-locate the bird (the gulls were moving about
a fair bit) when I returned. It has likely not gone far...I'll re-post if seen
again.
Cheers,
Ed Poropat
Haliburton, ON
Huntsville Nature
Club October 28 Meeting
Posted on October 17, 2014 at 10:52:52 AM by BevEaston
On Tuesday, October 28, the Huntsville Nature
Club meeting will feature a
presentation by Dwight-resident Annmarie
Boehene-Tapley concerning honey
bees and beekeeping. Bees are an essential part
of our agricultural system
and the natural environment but they are facing
serious threats. The meeting
is at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Hall on
West Street, starting at 7 pm.
Guests are always welcome. A $3 donation is
appreciated.
For more information regarding the Huntsville Nature
Club, contact Ken Morrison (705) 789-1407.
Finches and
Chickadees
Posted on October 16, 2014 at 08:27:17 PM by michaelhatton
Purple Finches, along with a horde of
Chickadees, have taken over the Leonard Lake neighbourhood. photo1 photo2 photo3
Common Green
Darner--Kilworthy
Posted on October 15, 2014 at 12:51:00 PM by
diannawolfe
A late migrant female Common Green Darner was
foraging above our backyard yesterday, taking advantage of one of the last few
days of warm weather. photo
Rusty Blackbirds -
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on October 14, 2014 at 01:19:53 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were six Rusty Blackbirds
perched in a tree west of cell 4 and a few American Pipits on the road nearby.
The male Redhead was still in cell 4 along with a Pied-billed Grebe. The
American Coot was still in cell 3. Other species seen included several Hooded
Mergansers, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneyes, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, American
Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Mallards, and a Wood Duck.
There were several Woolly Bear caterpillars
roaming about. A couple Painted Turtles were on the roadway by cell 4.
Magnetawan
Thansgiving Birds
Posted on October 13, 2014 at 09:44:34 AM by Alex Mills
I spent Saturday and Sunday at Magnetawan, and
noticed lots of birds on several long walks.
I managed to find four species of warblers.
Usually I see lots of Yellow-rumpeds at this time of year, but managed only 8
or so. I did find one Palm Warbler in a recently cut area. I found five
Orange-crowned Warblers--all single birds at different locations, but usually
in dense deciduous growth, especially alder. The only "neotropical"
bird I saw all weekend was an American Redstart; this was my latest for that
species by more than two weeks.
Also of interest were a Lincoln's Sparrow, a
Blue-headed Vireo, a hooting Barred Owl, and lots of White-crowned Sparrows. I
encountered three Grackles foraging in a deciduous forest, and a flock of about
30 Red-winged Blackbirds in the village itself.
The only finches I encountered were a few Pine
Siskins and 2 Purple Finches.
Perhaps of most interest was some chickadee
behaviour. At one point on Saturday, I came upon a particularly large group
(maybe 40 birds?) that was distinctly restless in their conduct. At one point
they left from the tops of some large evergreens and started to fly out over
the lake, at a height above the canopy. I associate this with "irruptive
behaviour" as it looked like they were intending to leave the area. They
did circle back, but I wonder if this will be a year that some chickadees will
move south?
Leonard Lake
Visitors
Posted on October 12, 2014 at 10:09:59 PM by michaelhatton
Downy / Hairy -- bill of a Downy, outside tail
feathers of a Hairy? But definitely Downy in size. photo1 photo2
The White-breasted Nuthatches have arrived in numbers. However, haven't seen a Red-breasted on the property for some time. photo
Bluebirds
Posted on October 12, 2014 at 04:15:26 PM by Bob Burt
At noon today there were eight bluebirds flying
over Beatrice Townline just north of Falkenburg Road (aka Bardsville). They
were calling in flight and perched just long enough for us to get a good look.
As well, there was a single Monarch butterfly fighting the south wind.
Re(1): Redhead -
Bracebridge Lagoons
Posted on October 14, 2014 at 11:39:55 AM by janice
house
A lone coot was in cell 3 yesterday
Redhead -
Bracebridge Lagoons
Posted on October 12, 2014 at 01:13:38 PM by Goodyear
This morning there was a single male Redhead in
cell 4. Other species seen include a female Pintail, Buffleheads, Lesser Scaup,
Ring-necked Ducks, Common Goldeneyes, and many Mallards. The Bonaparte's Gull
was still in cell 3.
Gull lake park
winter finches
Posted on October 11, 2014 at 07:55:38 PM by coreyhkh
I checked out the park early yesterday and
there was lots of activity with large numbers of pine siskin, kinlets, juncos
and white crowned and purple finches.
American
Goldfinches at the Lagoons
Posted on October 11, 2014 at 04:06:32 PM by michaelhatton
Mid-morning today seemed to be "American
Goldfinch Day" at the Lagoons. Two dozen or more competed with 50 or White
Crowned Sparrows for the plethora of seeds and, when the rain started (again),
I'd have to give the trophy to the AGs solely for their persistence.
photo
Also saw Wood Ducks, Hooded Mergansers (all
female), many many Mallards, R B Gulls, Lesser Scaups (at 50x power, lovely
blue bills in the muted light), Buffleheads and a lonely Phoebe.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 9 October
Posted on October 11, 2014 at 03:26:13 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (October 9, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Boreal specialties and finches continued to be
reported as cited in last
week's report. If you missed it, please see the
OFO website at:
http://ontbirds.ca/pipermail/birdalert_ontbirds.ca/
Noteworthy sightings this week occurred at the
following two locations:
OLD AIRFIELD (Accessible via Mew Lake
Campground road at km 30.6):
Today, two Le Conte's Sparrows were found at
the east end near Lake of Two
Rivers.
LAKE TRAVERS MARSH (At km 70.5 on Barron Canyon
Road.) [Access:
Turn south off the Highway 17 bypass onto
County Road 26, at a point 3.5
kilometres west of the Forest Lea Road (about 9
kilometres west of
Pembroke); travel 300 metres, then turn right
onto Barron Canyon Road.]
Despite the extremely high water levels in the
marsh which precluded
extensive searching, Nelson's Sparrow sightings
involved five on October 2
and at least six on October 4. The marsh is
near the radio observatory.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
DIRECTIONS:
Algonquin Provincial Park is three hours north
of Toronto, via Highways
400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs which start in
Toronto on Highway 400.
From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then
follow Highway 60 to the
park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the
Park go from the
West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56).
Get your park permit and Information Guide
(with a map of birding
locations mentioned here) at the East Gate or
the West Gate. Locations are
also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at
km 43 are open daily
from 9 am to 5 pm.
For more information see the Algonquin Park
events calendar at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/
Rusty Blackbird
Posted on October 11, 2014 at 08:06:36 AM by janice
house
last night about 5:30 I saw one rusty blackbird
foraging in our yard with 50+ white crowned sparrows, several robins, 2 juncos
and 20+ chipping sparrows. Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Bonaparte's and
others at Bracebridge Lagoons
Posted on October 10, 2014 at 08:05:51 PM by michaelhatton
At the lagoons ... Bonaparte's Gull (but not
likely the same one from yesterday), many many many White Crowned Sparrows,
R.B. Gulls, Mallards by the bucketful, 4 Bufflehead, Ring Necked Ducks (again)
in cell 4, American Goldfinches, a solitary Coot, a female Pintail, Blue Jays,
many Starlings, Hooded Mergansers (female), Lesser Scaup, a bedraggled looking
Wood Duck, Hairy Woodpecker and a lordly looking Red Tailed Hawk ... all seen
with the assistance of the Goodyears. But no Grebe!
Merlin vs Chickadee
Posted on October 10, 2014 at 09:57:11 AM by janice
house
This morning there were chickadee feathers on
the road and floating in the air, a merlin was dining high up in a dead white
pine.
Cold and windy day
at Leonard Lake
Posted on October 8, 2014 at 05:52:45 PM by michaelhatton
With feathers blowing like crazy, this guy was
just hanging on today. It seems as if winter and at least some winter birds
have arrived. photo
Bracebridge Lagoons
- Coot, Northern Pintails, Gadwalls
Posted on October 7, 2014 at 06:39:25 PM by Goodyear
Late this afternoon there was a single Coot in
cell 1, two female Northern Pintails and four Gadwalls (3 females and 1 male)
in cell 3.
Re(2): Red Arrow?
Posted on October 7, 2014 at 04:59:32 PM by John Challis
The fall meadowhawks have been quite numerous
in our back yard through September, and are still around. One landed on my hand
the other day while it finished off a flying ant.
Re(2): Red Arrow?
Posted on October 7, 2014 at 09:28:26 PM by
michaelhatton
Alex -
Yikes! Thanks for the help.
m.
Re(1): Red Arrow?
Posted on October 7, 2014 at 02:44:56 PM by Alex Mills
The Red Arrow is a smallish but thoroughly
bright red dragonfly in the Old World, but not found in the Americas.
This is a Meadowhawk, probably an Autumn
Meadowhawk, Sympetrum vicinum.
Red Arrow?
Posted on October 7, 2014 at 02:26:09 PM by michaelhatton
R the Red Arrows - Rhodothemis lieftincki out
today? photo
finch
Posted on October 7, 2014 at 07:44:02 AM by John Challis
Has anyone seen red polls yet? A handful of
little finches flew by this morning and seemed to be calling like red polls but
it was too brief to be sure. (Washago, Green River Dr)
birdsong
Posted on October 6, 2014 at 03:36:19 PM by John Challis
Heard a white-throated sparrow and a swamp
sparrow in full territorial songs this morning. The white-throat sounded like
it was still learning the melody, though.
Photo - White
Crowned Sparrow at the Bracebridge Lagoons
Posted on October 5, 2014 at 05:12:59 PM by michaelhatton
This afternoon between lagoons 3 and 4. photo
Kestrels
Posted on October 5, 2014 at 12:41:26 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were two American Kestrels
near the McCrank farm entrance along South Monck Dr., Bracebridge. There were
also 13 Wild Turkeys nearby.
Bracebridge Ponds -
Shoveler, Wigeons, Gadwalls
Posted on October 5, 2014 at 12:31:01 PM by Barbara Taylor
Just got back from the Bracebridge Ponds - lots
of ducks this morning! In the sheltered SW corner of cell 3 there were about 20
American Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, a Northern Shoveler, American Black Duck, and
several Green-winged Teal, Mallards, and Wood Ducks. In cell 4 there were a few
Ring-necked Ducks, a Lesser Scaup, Hooded Mergansers, two Common Goldeneye, and
a Pied-billed Grebe. As we were leaving, a Pectoral Sandpiper and possibly a
Least Sandpiper flew low looking for a place to land in the rain (water levels
high in all cells).
Mottled Darner --
Kashe Lake
Posted on October 5, 2014 at 08:35:21 AM by diannawolfe
This is a truly bad photo, but the best I could
get of this male Mottled Darner that was cruising the shoreline of Kashe Lake
late last Saturday afternoon. He had quite a large territory of shoreline (perhaps
because he was the only darner left!), and was flying low and fast along the
edge of the emergent vegetation, with little hovering.
Mottled Darners are a late-season dragonfly and
are local, although rare, in this area, according to the Algonquin field guide
(Jones et al.). photo
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 2 October
Posted on October 3, 2014 at 04:58:40 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (October 3, 2014) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Below is an overview of some current birding
options in Algonquin Park.
Subsequent reports will be occasional until winter
sets in.
OLD AIRFIELD
Horned Larks, American Pipits and Lapland
Longspurs were observed this week.
Check the long grass areas of the airfield near
Lake of Two Rivers for
possible Le Conte's Sparrows this coming week
as one or two are seen almost
annually there during their brief fall
migration period through the Park.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES:
Spruce Grouse: There were sightings this week
near Wolf Howl Pond; at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk (e.g., at the register box); and
along the Old Railway Bike
Trail near Head Creek Marsh. Some males were
displaying to disinterested
females.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Reported at several
sites: along the railway bed
west of Wolf Howl Pond; Cache Lake parking lot;
and Visitor Centre parking
lot.
Gray Jay: Seeking food from people along the
old railway at Wolf Howl Pond
and West Rose Lake; at Spruce Bog Boardwalk;
along Opeongo Road; and at the
Logging Museum.
Boreal Chickadee: Detected near Wolf Howl Pond;
near the Old Airfield; and
along Opeongo Road.
WINTER FINCHES:
Purple Finch: A few are being observed
regularly along Highway 60.
White-winged Crossbill: Four were reported on
Mizzy Lake Trail on September
24.
Pine Siskin: Small numbers were noted, usually
calling in flight.
American Goldfinch: A few were reported
regularly.
Evening Grosbeak: One was along Track and Tower
Trail on September 25, and
there were two on Mizzy Lake Trail on September
28.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
DIRECTIONS:
Algonquin Provincial Park is three hours north
of Toronto, via Highways
400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs which start in
Toronto on Highway 400.
From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then
follow Highway 60 to the
park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the
Park go from the
West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56).
Get your park permit and Information Guide (with
a map of birding
locations mentioned here) at the East Gate or
the West Gate. Locations are
also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at
km 43 are open daily
from 9 am to 5 pm.
For more information see the Algonquin Park
events calendar at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field
Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization.
Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca
For information about ONTBIRDS including how to
unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
Posting guidelines can be found at
http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
Re(1): Pine
Siskins, more turtles
Posted on October 2, 2014 at 01:10:23 PM by Barbara Taylor
The Pied-billed Grebe was still in cell 4 this
morning along with a newly arrived Ring-necked Duck. There were two
Orange-crowned Warblers west of cell 3. A flock of about 100 Pine Siskins was
north of cell 4. There was another hatch of Snapping Turtles today
- we counted 16 in total, although four of those had been squashed by a truck
dumping waste into cell 2. (I think it is the local brewery waste as the truck
was already re-entering the lagoons with another load as we were leaving. I had
moved the 12 live baby turtles off the roadway, so hopefully they stayed safe.)
Pied-billed Grebe -
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on October 1, 2014 at 01:49:31 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around noon today at the Bracebridge Ponds
there was a Pied-billed Grebe in cell 4 along with 8 Hooded Mergansers, a
Common Goldeneye, a Scaup, and a Double-crested Cormorant. Several Mallards, a
few Wood Ducks, and two Green-winged Teal were in cell 3. An American Black
Duck was in cell 1.
We counted eight newly hatched Snapping Turtles
along the roadway south of cell 2. We hadn't seen any since September 21. Just like
the last batch, they were all heading east for some reason.
They are easy to miss since they
"freeze" as you approach. This shot shows just how tiny they are next
to my shoe: photo
