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Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 30 March
Posted on March 31, 2017 at 08:21:51 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Mar. 30, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
After two weeks with no new arrivals, several
were reported this week: Mourning Dove (March 25); Red-tailed Hawk (March 27);
Hooded Merganser (March 28); Northern Saw-whet Owl and Merlin (March 29); and
American Black Duck, American Robin and Common Grackle (today). Snow on the
ground remains extensive, deep and hard-crusted. All lakes and ponds are
completely ice-covered to the shore. Only moving water is open.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: No reports this week. Displaying
males should be easier to detect soon.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One was observed at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk (March 23).
Gray Jay: Best places to see them continue to
be Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road and at the Logging Museum. Researchers
have now found nests of 20 pairs, and at least 16 females are incubating eggs.
Boreal Chickadee: One was seen north of the
Trailer Sanitation Station (March 23). There were no reports from Spruce Bog
Boardwalk this week. The suet feeder there has now been shut down for the
season.
WINTER FINCHES
Pine Grosbeak: No reports. Nearly all have
likely moved back north.
Purple Finch: An adult male was at the Visitor
Centre feeders today.
Red Crossbill: A few small groups (up to about
12 birds) getting grit and salt along the highway were seen occasionally.
White-winged Crossbill: The only report was of
two observed on Opeongo Road (March 25).
Common Redpoll: One or two were noted among the
siskins and goldfinches at the Visitor Centre feeders early in the week. There
was a flock of 13 at Tea Lake Dam (March 26) and one on Big Pines Trail (March
27).
Pine Siskin: As many as seventy came to the
Visitor Centre feeders this week, but the numbers were less than half that most
days.
American Goldfinch: Regular at the Visitor
Centre feeders; numbers peaked at about 45 birds.
Evening Grosbeak: Early in the week, numbers
reached 90 at the Visitor Centre feeders but were about half that by today.
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).
The Visitor Centre exhibits, bookstore and
restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm in winter. The
Visitor Centre is also open on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm with limited
facilities, including self-serve hot and cold beverages plus snacks available
in the restaurant. The Visitor Centre bird feeders will be shut down for the
season on Monday (April 3).
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
Re(1): Swan
Posted on April 1, 2017 at 10:56:35 AM by Al Sinclair
What was the location of this sighting? In
Muskoka at this time of year it could be Trumpeter, Tundra or Mute. The most
likely species is Trumpeter now seen frequently here as their numbers continue
to increase. Tundra are migrating through now so also a possibility but not
seen in Muskoka very often. Non-native Mute can appear anytime anywhere but
have been rare here for several years.
Pink around the bill is not a helpful field
mark. Body shape on the water, bill shape and colour and neck posture together
can make a reliable identification possible. Best thing to do is take photos
for later analysis.
Swan
Posted on March 31, 2017 at 07:21:19 PM by edieov
We have a swan in our bay today. We have only
every had a pair come several years ago. It has what looks to be a bit of pink
around the beak area. What type of swan is it?
Chipping Sparrow
Posted on March 31, 2017 at 06:10:23 PM by janice house
I heard the sparrow about 8:35 this morning
trilling in the back yard
more spring
arrivals
Posted on March 30, 2017 at 10:44:04 AM by John Challis
Yesterday in Washago, Gayle heard her first
meadowlarks singing, on MacArthur Sideroad -- a great haunt for open field
birds. After dinner we went back and heard a small gathering of sandhill cranes
(one flew past us to meet up with them) and a woodcock in its flight display.
Bald Eagle
Posted on March 30, 2017 at 09:33:13 AM by Chris
This morning an Adult Bald Eagle on the ice on
Lake of Bays. I will assume the same one of several that were here March 15th
and 16th .
Goldeneyes
Posted on March 29, 2017 at 11:07:00 PM by stuartpaul
One male one female goldeneye on muskoka river
close to Henry Rd and Beaumont Dr. Also we saw our first robins (in Muskoka)
yesterday! Saw many of them weeks ago in Peterborough.
Turkey vulture,
Carolina wren
Posted on March 29, 2017 at 09:24:00 AM by John Challis
Saw my first TV yesterday afternoon while
driving home, over 11th Oro Line. Later in the evening Gayle called to say
she'd seen a TV just outside Orillia. Must have been the same bird. Keep you
eyes peeled in South Muskoka!
Also yesterday morning Gayle watched a Carolina
wren, perched on our back deck railing. Ron Reid has had one at his feeder all
winter (~4 km south of us), so I think this was his come for a visit. Green
River Dr, Washago.
Gray Jay Live Cam
from Alberta!
Posted on March 28, 2017 at 07:06:24 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Watch a Gray Jay nest live from Alberta!
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ellis-bird-farm-channel-4
Re(1): ducks
Posted on March 27, 2017 at 09:35:05 PM by John Challis
Or maybe canvasbacks, given that one has been
seen in Huntsville?
ducks
Posted on March 27, 2017 at 09:33:44 PM by John Challis
At Washago this afternoon, top of Lake
Couchiching, there were very few waterfowl around, but through the mist with
the binoculars I saw four or five ducks with white sides, black down the
middle, dark heads. Too distant to get a definitive look. Is the timing right
for ring-necked ducks?
Re(1): Muskoka
Beach/Taboo Gravenhurst
Posted on April 1, 2017 at 02:41:59 PM by janice house
just a few minutes ago, 2 trumpeter swans (no
tags), 4 common goldeneye, lots of Canada geese, 2 herring gulls and 5
buffleheads (on the river)
Muskoka Beach/Taboo
Gravenhurst
Posted on March 26, 2017 at 01:24:11 PM by janice house
A small patch of Lake Muskoka is open, 60+
Canada geese, a male bufflehead, 2 male common goldeneye & 1 female and a
kingfisher was calling along the Hoc Roc river
Beavers Foraging
Posted on March 26, 2017 at 09:29:46 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
Yesterday afternoon I watched 4 beavers
foraging around open water in the wetland next to Greenslate Rehab Centre
between Bala and Glenn Orchard, Hwy 169. They brought sticks and vegetation up
onto the ice to eat. I was sure, at first, that they must be otters as I have
never seen 4 adult beavers out together before.
Canvasback in
Huntsville
Posted on March 25, 2017 at 03:17:01 PM by LevFrid
Hi Folks,
Amanda Guercio and I found a drake Canvasback
with two Common Mergansers in Huntsville. It is visible from the parking area
for Avery Beach Park on Yonge St, which just west of downtown off Main St (at
the Westside Fish and Chips). photo
Cheers,
Lev Frid
Collingwood
Harbour, yesterday
Posted on March 24, 2017 at 10:03:52 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
My daughter and I watched a flock of Canada
Geese fly in and land in the harbour yesterday afternoon with one accompanying
Snow Goose. Also seen was one pair of Red-breated Mergansers along with the
usual Common Mergansers. Three Long-tailed Ducks were seen. Dozens, if not
hundred of Common Goldeneye along with the other regulars. if there were
scoters they were too far out to be seen with binos.
GBH
Posted on March 24, 2017 at 07:37:17 PM by John Challis
As I was driving home tonight, a pair of great
blue herons flew over the Trent Canal bridge at Washago. Welcome back, big
birds!
Snow fleas
Posted on March 24, 2017 at 05:12:37 PM by FrancesGualtieri
I noticed snow fleas out in abundance this
afternoon, on the snow in sunny spots around our maple trees.
Frances Gualtieri
Vankoughnet
Re(1): killdeer
Posted on March 24, 2017 at 03:26:15 PM by janice house
Had 2 killdeer, 50+ starlings, 12 red-winged
blackbirds, 2 robins and a Canada goose in the farm field across from the house
a lunch time today. I was hoping for horned larks. Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
killdeer
Posted on March 24, 2017 at 12:26:16 PM by John Challis
Heard a killdeer in Barrie this morning, flying
overhead -- northward. Keep your ears skyward!
Buffleheads and
Brown Creepers
Posted on March 24, 2017 at 10:02:00 AM by John Challis
Yesterday on the Green River the buffleheads
had come back. Five to seven of them in separate clusters along the river.
While I watched, a brown creeper sang its little heart out in the maples beside
me.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 23 March
Posted on March 23, 2017 at 11:19:41 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Mar. 23, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Again this week, no new migrant species were
reported arriving in Algonquin Park. There were some days with
well-above-freezing temperatures, but also some with strong, cold north winds
and much colder than normal temperatures. And extensive deep snow cover, with a
hard crust, remains.
Ruffed Grouse were regularly reported at the
Visitor Centre feeder area and along the driveway, and the female Wild Turkey
there appeared likely to successfully overwinter. Two Northern Goshawks were
observed soaring below Cache Lake Dam along Track and Tower Trail on the 18th.
A singing Northern Shrike, likely moving northward at this date, was observed
at the Old Airfield on the 21st.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: One was along the trail from Mew
Lake Campground to Track and Tower Trail on the 19th, another was in black
spruce near northern Opeongo Road on the 20th, and one was along Whiskey Rapids
Trail on the 21st.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One was found on Bat
Lake Trail (20th).
Gray Jay: Best places to see them continue to
be Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road near the locked gate and at the Logging
Museum.
Boreal Chickadee: One continues to be seen at
the suet feeder on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, although not as regularly as
previously. Other locations where this chickadee was reported included Bat Lake
Trail and the trail from Mew Lake Campground to Track and Tower Trail.
WINTER FINCHES
There were significant declines in the number
of all finch species observed this week, likely in response to the longer days
and some warmer temperatures.
Pine Grosbeak: The recurring female at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk was present until at least March 20. A few of these grosbeaks
were still being seen along the highway edge, but infrequently. Fourteen on the
road at the entrance to Spruce Bog on the 19th may have been a flock moving
northward.
Red Crossbill: Reports were widespread but
typically involved only two or three birds at a time.
White-winged Crossbill: A few were reported on
the 16th, but there were no sightings of this species after that.
Pine Siskin: Observations were widespread but
involved very small numbers. The peak number counted at the Visitor Centre
feeders was 15 this week.
American Goldfinch: The peak number at the
Visitor Centre feeders was about 30 at the start of the week, and down to half
that by its end.
Evening Grosbeak: The highest number at the
Visitor Centre feeders was 50, half of the peak for last week. A few continue
to be attracted to bird seed left at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and near the locked
gate on Opeongo Road.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Re(2): Common
Grackle
Posted on March 24, 2017 at 10:03:13 AM by John Challis
Gayle saw our first in Washago yesterday as
well.
Re(1): Common
Grackle
Posted on March 23, 2017 at 06:51:39 PM by
missyinmuskoka
Me too Janice! I had two Grackles and one RW
blackbird today
Common Grackle
Posted on March 23, 2017 at 06:09:55 PM by janice house
First of the season just now in the back yard,
Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Re(1): House
Sparrows
Posted on March 24, 2017 at 11:43:50 AM by George Bryant
This is a delightful observation. HOSP have
been declining in Ontario for decades, I believe they no longer are recorded on
Bracebridge / Ghurst Christmas Counts? So these 15 are presumed migrants, not
something you think of for HOSP. How many males / females? I hope they stay
around.
Re(1): House
Sparrows
Posted on March 23, 2017 at 09:26:35 PM by Doug Smith
That is good news! I had heard some there
earlier this week but wasn't sure where or how many. Thank you!
House Sparrows
Posted on March 23, 2017 at 12:56:40 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were at least 15 very vocal
House Sparrows under the shopping carts in the Food Basics parking lot. They
were at the cart shed furthest from the store entrance. (Bracebridge)
Re(1): Boreal
continues at Spruce Bog Trail
Posted on March 23, 2017 at 06:12:15 PM by janice house
Amazing photos Michael, thank you for sharing
Boreal continues at
Spruce Bog Trail
Posted on March 22, 2017 at 10:49:53 PM by
michaelhatton
With the return of colder temperatures, I
thought today would be a great time to re-visit Spruce Bog Trail in Algonquin
Park and check on the Boreal Chickadees. In the morning I dipped on the bird,
but coming back later in the day it showed well. Given the low temperatures,
longer day and fewer visitors, I think this is one of the best times of the
year to visit the Park. photo
photo2
photo3
And at the Visitors' Centre, Evening Grosbeaks perform! photo
Re(1): Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Posted on March 25, 2017 at 02:04:05 PM by Barbara
Taylor
He was back again this morning for another
short visit at the suet. photo
Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Posted on March 22, 2017 at 07:46:40 PM by Barbara Taylor
The male Red-bellied Woodpecker made a brief
visit to our yard this afternoon. We hadn't seen him here since March 12.
(Bracebridge) photo
Blue Bird Box
Posted on March 22, 2017 at 08:12:36 AM by janice house
I had the pleasure of watching a downy
woodpecker zoom out of one of the nest boxes in our front yard this morning.
Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst.
Snow Buntings
Posted on March 21, 2017 at 01:46:35 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds a large
flock of about 150 Snow Buntings swirled around overhead for several minutes,
but then headed away to the south-west. A short time later a smaller group of
35 came in from the north and continued on towards the south-west. Do they know
something we don't? The Crows seemed to have a different migration plan and
were heading north in numbers today.
(all the cells were still iced in)
ravens
Posted on March 20, 2017 at 03:46:34 PM by John Challis
We were hiking on the Orimat Road yesterday --
a cottage access road just on the west side of Sparrow Lake and following the
Severn River. Pretty quiet for bird activity, except for a cluster of about
eight ravens. An unkindness of ravens, if you really feel compelled to use that
judgmental collective.
Anyway they were having a great time, flapping
around and bellowing at each other now and then. To me they seemed to be
playing, more than anything.
Redwings
Posted on March 20, 2017 at 09:36:34 AM by Leslie
A number of redwing blackbirds were singing at
Henry Marsh this morning. Always a welcome sound right about now!
Re(1): Greater
White Fronted Geese
Posted on March 20, 2017 at 05:09:00 PM by Barbara Taylor
Great sighting! That may be the first record
for Muskoka...I don't see the species on my old Muskoka checklist. We looked
for the geese along the river this morning but no luck. If anyone sees them
again, please let us know.
Greater White
Fronted Geese
Posted on March 19, 2017 at 06:56:36 PM by stuartpaul
We saw 24 Greater White Fronted Geese today on
the Muskoka River at Kelvin Grove Park. They flew into the sandy beach, nibbled
at some weeds for 10 minutes, and then flew downriver. First time sighting this
bird for us! Exciting!
red-bellied
woodpecker
Posted on March 19, 2017 at 01:32:09 PM by John Challis
We were walking the dog this morning, and I was
lamenting to Gayle that we haven't seen the red-bellied woodpecker since the
pair first appeared two seasons ago. Not five minutes later, we heard a
"churr", repeated several times. A few minutes later, its red crown
caught the sunlight. He/she spent about 15 minutes in the area. Welcome back!
Eagles
Posted on March 18, 2017 at 12:19:38 PM by Chris
On Lake of Bays in front of our house we
witnessed nature in all it's different cycles. March 15th I spotted a carcass
on the ice . Got my binoculars out to determine that the carcass was a smaller
deer that would have been killed sometime during the night. Not long after we
looked out to see a coyote at the carcass - assuming it was the coyote's kill.
It has been many years since we have seen any coyotes or wolves on the ice. The
coyote fed for quite a long time. We did not notice which direction the coyote
came from or went to when it left.Soon after the coyote left we saw many ravens
feeding. Then a much larger bird
arrived- bald eagle- over the next many hours
of daylight we watched as Bald and Golden eagles shared the carcass.
At one point I realized I was watching a family
of Golden's and Bald's. Two adults each with a juvenile. The pecking order is
that the juveniles mostly seemed to be the watch guard. Ravens were chased off
in most cases. The next morning the carcass had been moved , still within
watching distance. With the cold nights I can only assume that the coyote came
back at night and moved it . It would have been frozen to the ice. That next
day we watched the eagles again from both families feed. The ravens seem
content to feed off the original spot. It was interesting that the eagles would
feed with a raven feeding beside them. They did share. Again this feeding went
on . I was able to watch the eagles fly in and land and then take off. They are
just stunningly gorgeous .The next morning what was left of the carcass was
gone. I felt like I was watching a David Suzuki documentary. The deer's death
has possibly saved many from winter starvation.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 16 March
Posted on March 17, 2017 at 11:49:46 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Mar. 17, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open daily from 9
am to 5 pm with full services (exhibits, book store and restaurant) during
March Break (March 11 to 19).
There were no signs of new migration during
this week, likely due in large measure to unusually cold temperatures, gusty
winds and persistent deep snow cover.
A Northern Goshawk was observed at Mew Lake
Campground on March 11. Bald Eagles were seen at km 11 on Highway 60 (9th) and
along Opeongo Road (11th). The female Wild Turkey that has been observed all
winter at the Visitor Centre continued to be seen there and across the highway
at Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: No reports. Keep looking at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road north of the locked gate.
Black-backed Woodpecker: A male was
photographed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 11th.
Gray Jay: Best places to see them continue to
be Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road near the locked gate and at the Logging
Museum.
Boreal Chickadee: Three were observed at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk, often at the suet feeder. This species was also seen this week
along Opeongo Road north of the locked gate and near the south side of the Old
Airfield.
WINTER FINCHES
Pine Grosbeak: The long-present female at the
entrance to Spruce Bog Boardwalk continued to be seen this week. A few were
noted at the Visitor Centre and along the highway, as well.
Red Crossbill: Small groups were reported at
several locations along the highway and Opeongo Road.
White-winged Crossbill: This crossbill was seen
regularly and at several sites, but numbers were lower than in recent weeks.
Common Redpoll: No reports.
Pine Siskin: The highest number tallied at the
Visitor Centre feeders was 50 this week, and continued to include the green
morph bird. Smaller numbers of Pine Siskins were encountered at other
locations.
American Goldfinch: Maximum number coming to
the Visitor Centre feeders was about 50.
Evening Grosbeak: Numbers at the Visitor Centre
feeders this week peaked at 100 on the 13.
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
Red-breasted
Nuthatches Posing for iPhone Portraits
Posted on March 16, 2017 at 05:55:35 PM by
michaelhatton
Today, on the trail from Henry Marsh to the
Lagoons (Chickadee Trail), the Red-breasted Nuthatches were surprisingly
aggressive. photo1 photo2 photo3
fraudulent
starlings
Posted on March 16, 2017 at 05:04:06 PM by John Challis
I'm not sure if they know how good the timing
is, but every year around early to mid-March, the starlings outside my office
in Barrie start in with the killdeer calls. I yank my head around, looking for
something flying in the sky above the parking lot -- and see a cluster of drab
speckled shapes gathered on the eaves of the store across the road, chuckling
away with each other.
Bald Eagle
Posted on March 16, 2017 at 12:39:45 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning an adult Bald Eagle soared across
the trail east of Henry Marsh, heading into the north-west wind. Two Brown
Creepers were singing along the trail. (Bracebridge)
Red-bellied
Woodpecker continues ....
Posted on March 14, 2017 at 08:44:50 PM by
michaelhatton
The Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to be seen
flitting around the northwest area of Bracebridge. This image captured
yesterday as the bird showed off its red belly! photo
Ring-necked Ducks
Posted on March 14, 2017 at 12:47:56 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were two male Ring-necked
Ducks and a male Hooded Merganser on the Muskoka River near the entrance to
Kerr Park. Out by the river mouth there were about 50 Canada Geese and four
Common Goldeneye. A Red-winged Blackbird was singing near Henry Rd. (Bracebridge)
Common Mergansers
Posted on March 12, 2017 at 01:37:55 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there were eight Common Mergansers
(5M,3F) and a female Common Goldeneye on the Muskoka River near Santa's
Village. There were three Common Mergansers (2M,1F) on the river along
Matthiasville Rd. (Bracebridge)
A surge of
Chickadees?
Posted on March 12, 2017 at 10:27:28 AM by
michaelhatton
I'm seeing more and more Chickadees over the
past week, often in small groups and seeming to willingly push other birds
around. photo1
photo2
Roaming Deer
Posted on March 11, 2017 at 12:28:09 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around 11:30 a.m. today there were eleven
White-tailed Deer walking along Kevin Cres. near Glendale Rd. We have been
seeing three or four in the neighbourhood recently, but looks like they've
banded together. (Bracebridge)
Hooded Merganser
Posted on March 10, 2017 at 01:06:38 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there was a male Hooded Merganser on
the Muskoka River near Santa's Village. A Red-tailed Hawk was soaring over the
fields by Beaumont Farm Rd. Thirty-six Canada Geese, two Mallards, and three
Common Goldeneyes were near the river mouth by the end of Beaumont Farm Rd.
(Bracebridge)
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 9 March
Posted on March 10, 2017 at 00:35:29 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Mar. 9, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
The Visitor Centre (km 43) will be open daily
from 9 am to 5 pm with full services (exhibits, book store and restaurant)
during March Break (March 11 to 19).
There were few signs of new migration during
the very cold temperatures that prevailed for most of the week. The first
Red-winged Blackbird, a male attracted to seed left in the Spruce Bog Boardwalk
parking lot, was photographed yesterday. A Great Gray Owl photographed on March
6 (but not found again) and a Northern Shrike seen March 7, both along Opeongo
Road, were likely moving northward.
A Northern Goshawk at Spruce Bog Boardwalk
today was likely the sixth observation of the same individual there since
January 1. A female Wild Turkey that has frequented the Visitor Centre parking
lot feeder all winter now appears to be seeking seed left by birders at nearby
Spruce Bog Boardwalk as well.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: This enigmatic denizen of the
spruce was not reported. Displaying males should soon be more easily detected.
Keep looking at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road north of the locked
gate.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Singles were found at
Mew Lake Campground, Big Pines Trail and along Opeongo Road. Listen for their
distinctive calls and quiet tapping.
Gray Jay: They continue to seek handouts at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road near the locked gate and at the Logging
Museum.
Boreal Chickadee: One or two were regularly
seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, often at the suet feeder or perching on the
nearby trail register box where people leave peanut pieces and other food.
WINTER FINCHES
Pine Grosbeak: A female kept coming for seed
left at the trail entrance of Spruce Bog Boardwalk this week. A single bird was
at the Visitor Centre on March 7 and there were six at km 36 today.
Red Crossbill: There were reports of one to
four birds at various locations along the Highway 60 Corridor.
White-winged Crossbill: Totals reported for
this species were up to 25 birds, at sites which included: Mew Lake Campground,
Opeongo Road, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Bat Lake Trail.
Common Redpoll: One and sometimes two were seen
at the Visitor Centre feeders on most days. From one to three were noted at Opeongo
Road, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Mew Lake Campground and the Logging Museum Trail
during the week.
Pine Siskin: As many as 95 continue to come
daily to the Visitor Centre feeders. The green morph siskin noted there last
week was photographed on March 4. Smaller numbers of Pine Siskins were
encountered at other locations.
American Goldfinch: Maximum numbers coming to
the Visitor Centre feeders were 50 to 75, with smaller numbers elsewhere along
the highway.
Evening Grosbeak: Up to 75 were observed at the
Visitor Centre feeders all week. Small numbers continue at Opeongo Road and
Spruce Bog Boardwalk as well.
Birders
reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists with the
Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
RedWing at feeder
Posted on March 9, 2017 at 06:13:47 PM by Doug Smith
Had one lone redwing visiting our feeders today
-- spring can't be far away! photo
Re(1): Snow
Buntings
Posted on March 9, 2017 at 08:24:56 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Yesterday two Snow Buntings were at the
Bracebridge Ponds. (all four cells were still iced in)
Snow Buntings
Posted on March 9, 2017 at 06:44:50 AM by janice house
A little after 6 this morning I heard several
calls above the yard while I was outside with the dogs. Doe Lake Rd
Gravenhurst.
Sandhill
Posted on March 8, 2017 at 06:15:58 AM by J. Gardner
Saw my first Sandhill Crane yesterday, flying
over Killdeer Crescent, Bracebridge. J. Gardner
Re(1): Kingfisher
and an ermine
Posted on March 8, 2017 at 06:30:31 PM by Jim Griffin
I had a Kingfisher heard and seen in Port
Sydney earlier this week.
Kingfisher and an
ermine
Posted on March 7, 2017 at 06:57:33 PM by John Challis
Heard but not seen this morning, the rattled
chatter of a kingfisher. I'm just uncertain enough, though, to wonder if
there's a woodpecker call close enough to mistake for a kingfisher. It is
early...but the river is open.
Over the weekend, we watched an ermine scamper
across the snow in the woods down from our house. Unfortunately the dog put the
run on it and we were only able to enjoy it for a moment. Gayle found it again
on Monday. Maybe it's taking out some of the mice that have been cleaning up
below the feeders.
Re(2): Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Posted on March 10, 2017 at 06:10:27 PM by Barbara
Taylor
He came in just after 5 p.m. today for some
suet...getting ready for a cold night. photo
Re(1): Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Posted on March 9, 2017 at 10:30:40 AM by Barbara
Taylor
He was back again this morning for some suet
and a peanut. He took the peanut to his favourite spot high up in our birch
tree. photo
Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Posted on March 6, 2017 at 01:29:08 PM by Barbara Taylor
The male Red-bellied Woodpecker returned to our
yard for some lunch today, along with ten Blue Jays. They all quickly grabbed a
peanut and then flew off, probably trying to stay one step ahead of the
Cooper's Hawk. This is the largest number of Blue Jays we've had all winter.
The Red-bellied hadn't been seen here since Feb. 25. (Bracebridge)
March Mix in Port
Sydney
Posted on March 5, 2017 at 10:41:53 AM by Jim Griffin
Mix of weather makes for an interesting observation
mix: I was out watching two river otters working the edge of ice in the river
while two Canada Geese slept in the sunshine on the ice and common mergansers
and golden eyes shared the open water. A Belted Kingfisher arrived seeming to
check out what the otters might be stirring up.
Re(2): Boreal
Chickadee & Others - Algonquin Park
Posted on March 5, 2017 at 08:48:08 PM by michaelhatton
Dinny - Thank you for your kind comment. I
think I was quite lucky!
Re(1): Boreal
Chickadee & Others - Algonquin Park
Posted on March 4, 2017 at 04:23:22 PM by DinnyNimmo
Your photos are stunning! What a nice
collection. Dinny
Boreal Chickadee
& Others - Algonquin Park
Posted on March 4, 2017 at 11:30:12 AM by michaelhatton
A particularly cold and windy Friday seemed to
keep birds low and active in Algonquin Park.
The star of the day was a very cooperative (if
you were willing to wait) Boreal Chickadee that returned to the Spruce Bog suet
area several times over the course of an hour and a half. photo
photo2
photo3
photo4
photo5
And something I've heard about but never seen. photo
Evening Grosbeaks were continuously present at Spruce Bog for more than hour, and especially close to observers. photo1 photo2 photo3
Grey Jays were hanging out at along Opeongo Road and Spruce Bog. photo
There were scores of Siskins at Visitors' Centre, especially at the bird feeders in the parking lot. Also seen on Opeongo Road near the locked gate. photo photo2
On Opeongo Road, the Chickadees were chasing Siskins. photo photo2
Cooper's Hawk
Posted on March 3, 2017 at 06:56:51 PM by Barbara Taylor
There was a lot of activity at our feeders on this
cold windy day, which probably attracted the attention of the neighbourhood
Cooper's Hawk. It was just about finished plucking a Mourning Dove when I
happened to notice it. photo
Earlier in the day a male Pileated Woodpecker stopped by for some suet, as well as four Downys and three Hairys, but no sign of the Red-bellied. photo
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 2 March
Posted on March 2, 2017 at 11:41:33 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Mar. 2, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Warmer temperatures earlier in the week
resulted in record-early spring records for Canada Goose (a pair on February
25), Lesser Scaup (male photographed on open water of the Madawaska River on
February 26) and American Tree Sparrow (February 25). Other signs of
spring-to-come included a pair of Common Ravens carrying nest material
(February 26) and researchers finding a total of five Gray Jay nests under
construction by today. A short thunderstorm on the evening of February 24 was
an early sign of spring also.
Noteworthy sightings included an adult Golden
Eagle photographed over Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 27 and two adults
soaring over Costello Creek along Opeongo Road the next day, and four Bohemian
Waxwings at the Visitor Centre on February 26.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: Up to three males were seen near
the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 26 and another male was
beyond the long boardwalk near Posts 4 and 5 of that trail on February 27.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Single birds were
observed along Opeongo Road and on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 28.
Gray Jay: They were still regular at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk, Opeongo Road near the locked gate and at the Logging Museum.
Boreal Chickadee: One or two birds are being
seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, often at the suet feeder. This chickadee was also
found by some in the black spruce sections along Opeongo Road north of the
locked gate this week.
WINTER FINCHES
Pine Grosbeak: From one to three individuals
were observed at a few locations this week, including: the Visitor Centre,
Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Cache Lake. Numbers have likely started to decline as
they move north in response to the warmer temperatures.
Red Crossbill: They continue to be seen in
small numbers on the highway as they seek grit and salt, with one observer
reporting about 40 in a trip across the Park. Opeongo Road is fairly reliable
for this crossbill, too.
White-winged Crossbill: Small numbers continue
to be seen regularly.
Common Redpoll: Single birds were observed on
Opeongo Road and at the Visitor Centre feeders this week. A flock of 25 at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 26 was noteworthy for the number.
Pine Siskin: Numbers appear to be still
increasing, with up to 90 birds at the Visitor Centre feeders. A striking
“green morph” individual with large patches of yellow on the wings and tail has
visited the feeders this week, including today.
American Goldfinch: Up to 75 are coming to the
Visitor Centre feeders.
Evening Grosbeak: One hundred or more are at
the Visitor Centre feeders daily. Small numbers continue at Opeongo Road and
Spruce Bog Boardwalk as well.
Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged
to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Swan sighting
Posted on March 1, 2017 at 05:21:11 PM by Peter
today in the afternoon we saw two swans,
probably Trumpeter, on the frozen Echo Creek,east of Bracebridge. Both had a
yellow tag, unfortunately we couldn't see the numbers and one for sure had
ring photo photo2
Bluebird
Posted on February 28, 2017 at 05:31:13 PM by missyinmuskoka
A friend reported a male bluebird at her farm
property on Southwood Road in Kilworthy today
Bald Eagle
Posted on February 27, 2017 at 01:16:21 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning we checked the Muskoka River along
Beaumont Dr. for early migrants, but only saw 5 Canada Geese. At noon we found
an adult Bald Eagle perched in a tree overlooking the river by the end of
Beaumont Farm Rd. (Bracebridge)
Barrow's Goldeneye
- female at Bala
Posted on February 26, 2017 at 07:19:06 AM by Al Sinclair
Matthew Tobey found a female Barrow's Goldeneye
below Bala Falls on Feb 20, 2017. Also seen by others on Feb 22. Reported on
eBird and confirmed by photos. Tempting to speculate it's the same bird that
was at Golden Point near Bracebridge in the fall of 2014.
Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Posted on February 25, 2017 at 01:12:29 PM by Barbara Taylor
The male Red-bellied Woodpecker dropped in for
lunch today. photo1
photo2
A Cooper's Hawk had kept most of the usual birds away from our yard for a few
days. (Bracebridge)
Bohemian Waxwings
Posted on February 25, 2017 at 12:19:50 PM by Barbara Taylor
At 11:30 a.m. today there were two flocks of
Bohemian Waxwings flying around the west end of Meadow Heights Dr. They briefly
merged together and perched in a tree by #126...a rough count of 75 birds.
There were also a few Pine Siskins in the area. (Bracebridge)
Re(1): Red-winged
Blackbird
Posted on February 25, 2017 at 04:37:57 PM by janice
house
Still here .....hope he gets a good territory
if he doesn't freeze to death tonight.
Red-winged
Blackbird
Posted on February 25, 2017 at 07:28:37 AM by janice
house
A lone male was in our yard all day yesterday,
Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 23 February
Posted on February 24, 2017 at 07:32:18 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Feb. 23, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Tomorrow (February 24) will be the final Bird
Feeder Friday in Algonquin Park this winter. The Visitor Centre webcams will be
aimed at the bird feeders from 8 am to sunset to catch all the action. Watch
at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/feeder_friday.php
The past week had lots of birders, beautiful
mild weather over the long weekend and even a few signs of the coming spring.
The Northern Goshawk was seen again at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk on February 19, probably hunting grouse. However, the old banded
male Spruce Grouse (likely about ten years of age) was seen that day too, so it
continues to survive.
Some eBirders reporting crows here on the
weekend were surprised that details were requested. Unlike most of Southern
Ontario, the American Crow is rarely present during winter in Algonquin Park
and so we can detect the arrival of migrants. The first ones this year were on
Saturday, which tied our earliest date in spring. The first European Starling
appeared that day as well. Yesterday, Gray Jay researchers found the first nest
under construction, right on time for this very early breeder.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: Several birders observed a male
displaying to a female at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on Sunday. Two males (including
the banded bird) and two females allowed close-up views along the side trail
opposite the register box there the same day.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Single birds were
observed along Opeongo Road and on Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
Gray Jay: They were still regular at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk, Opeongo Road near the locked gate and at the Logging Museum.
Boreal Chickadee: One or two continued to
provide great views at Spruce Bog Boardwalk as they fed at the suet feeder and
landed on outstretched hands with food for them. Others were seen along Opeongo
Road north of the locked gate, and along the trail behind the MOLOKS (refuse
containers) in Mew Lake Campground.
WINTER FINCHES
Pine Grosbeak: Small numbers were seen
regularly along the highway. The single female continued to come for seed at
the entrance of Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Sightings also occurred at: Peck Lake Trail,
Mew Lake Campground, Lookout Trail, and the Trailer Sanitation Station.
Red Crossbill: The week was good for seeing
small groups getting salt and sand on the highway.
White-winged Crossbill: Groups of up to 30 were
regular along the highway, at trails and on Opeongo Road.
Common Redpoll: Reports were of one to seven
individuals and locations included: the Visitor Centre feeders, Spruce Bog
Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road.
Pine Siskin: Small to medium-sized flocks were
regular on the highway.
American Goldfinch: Good numbers are still
coming to the Visitor Centre feeders, but some reduction appears to be
occurring with the onset of milder temperatures.
Evening Grosbeak: Up to 100 were coming to the
Visitor Centre feeders early in the week, but the number appeared to be about
60 by the end of it. Some are still being seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and on
Opeongo Road near the locked gate.
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): Common
Mergansers
Posted on February 27, 2017 at 08:17:33 AM by Jim Griffin
as of this morning; 4 males and 5 females
Re(1): Common
Mergansers
Posted on February 25, 2017 at 11:02:33 AM by Jim Griffin
Three males and four females this morning
Common Mergansers
Posted on February 24, 2017 at 05:52:11 PM by Jim Griffin
The first males have shown up on the river in
Port Sydney, a little earlier than past years I think; 2 males and 2 females
today
White-breasted
Nuthatches out in force on "the Chickadee Trail"
Posted on February 24, 2017 at 09:25:29 AM by
michaelhatton
photo1
photo2
Re(1): Hawkwatch
sightings
Posted on February 23, 2017 at 04:16:07 PM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
I see the Ontario Birds photography posts on
Facebook and there have been a couple of Red-shouldered Hawk postings.
Hawkwatch sightings
Posted on February 21, 2017 at 09:09:53 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Some of the Hawkwatch sites have begun their
migration monitoring. You can find daily reports at hawkcount.org
The Derby Hill Bird Observatory at the
south-east end of Lake Ontario has already tallied a few Bald Eagles,
Red-tailed Hawks, and Rough-legged Hawks. They often note movements of other
species and today they counted 3,648 Crows!
Re(1): Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Posted on February 21, 2017 at 03:27:58 PM by Barbara
Taylor
The Cooper's Hawk is back on patrol today. The
Red-bellied Woodpecker was here briefly this afternoon but disappeared from
view when a Blue Jay called out a warning. A Chipmunk had been collecting
spilled seed from under the feeders, but it has taken cover too.
update: The Red-bellied was back at 4:30 p.m. up high in our birch tree. photo1 photo2
Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Posted on February 20, 2017 at 02:06:35 PM by Barbara
Taylor
The male Red-bellied Woodpecker returned to our
yard today. We hadn't seen him since Feb. 14 after a Cooper's Hawk showed up. I
wondered if the mild weather was letting him search further afield for a mate
or if he was just trying to avoid the Hawk...no sign of the Coop today, but
apparently no luck finding a mate either. (Bracebridge)
Barred Owl
Posted on February 20, 2017 at 12:18:32 PM by missyinmuskoka
I have spotted a barred owl on South Kahshe
lake road for several weeks in a row
Blue Jay Day
Posted on February 20, 2017 at 10:08:04 AM by
michaelhatton
In the late fall we were seeing 5 Blue Jays
several times a day, as a party, looking for a handout of peanuts. However, for
the past 6 or 7 weeks, we have seen only a pair arriving at odd times. Our
thinking was that a predator of some sort had knocked off three. Today,
however, four arrived at one time. Perhaps because it is Family Day?
Photo
from an earlier day.
Brown Creeper
singing
Posted on February 19, 2017 at 12:55:53 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were two Brown Creepers
along "the chickadee trail" east of Henry Marsh. One decided to sing
his spring song a few times before both flew away. About 20 Pine Siskins had
found the feeders along with 8 Goldfinches.
You can listen to a Brown Creeper at: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/brown_creeper/sounds.
Re(1): Cooper's
Hawk
Posted on March 4, 2017 at 04:45:38 PM by 705Jason
I may have seen the same hawk this week also a
very large one probably female. It has eaten at last 3 morning doves on my
neighbors lawn this week. I'm still trying to get a pic but the bird is very
skittish.
Cooper's hawk
Posted on February 18, 2017 at 05:02:16 PM by John Challis
Not in our area, but while I was filling up at
a gas station in Barrie (Cundles and St. Vincent) yesterday, a Cooper's hawk
swooped directly over the gas pumps, scattering pigeons in a wild panic around
her (it seemed large for a Cooper's hawk, so assuming female) -- even let out a
short chirp as it passed by. It landed in a tree across the road from the
station and perched there for a few minutes before tearing off through the
trees and over the neighbouring subdivision.
Algonquin Park Birding
Report: 16 February
Posted on February 17, 2017 at 03:34:54 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Feb. 16, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Winter in the Wild Festival 2017 will take
place on Saturday (February 18).
It will have many great activities to choose
from, including two Guided
Winter Bird Walks on Spruce Bog Boardwalk (at
km 42.5) from 10 am to 11:30
am and 2:30 to 4 pm. Your Park use permit
entitles you to free participation
in festival events. For complete Winter in the
Wild information see:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/winter_in_the_wild.php
Probably the same Northern Goshawk was perched
near the suet feeder on
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 12th. The Northern
Shrike at the Visitor Centre
was mobbed by Black-capped Chickadees in late
afternoon on the 11th and seen
flying around the parking lot on the 15th.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: Still no reports this week.
Maybe one will turn up on
Saturday's guided walks at Spruce Bog.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One was observed at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on three
days. Other locations this week included: the
Old Railway Bike Trail between
the Old Airfield and Head Creek Marsh; the rail
bed near Galeairy Lake; and
near the recycling containers at Mew Lake
Campground.
Gray Jay: They were still regular at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk, Opeongo
Road near the locked gate and at the Logging
Museum. The first nest-building
activity can be expected soon.
Boreal Chickadee: One was regular at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk, coming to perch
on hands that provided food. There were two at
the suet feeder along the
trail on the 11th, one of which was giving the "trilling
call" almost
constantly.
WINTER FINCHES
Pine Grosbeak: A female was photographed coming
for bird seed at the
entrance of Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 12th
and 13th.
Red Crossbill: Reports involved one to six
birds at various locations along
Highway 60.
White-winged Crossbill: This crossbill
continues to be the more numerous
species, although most sightings were of 15 or
fewer. But on the 10th, there
were 75 in total along the Old Railway Bike
Trail between the Old Airfield
and Head Creek Marsh, and another 45 between
the West Gate and km 8 on the
highway.
Common Redpoll: Reports again this week were of
very small numbers.
Pine Siskin: The increase in numbers noted last
week appeared to continue.
Of the 90 tallied along Highway 60 on the 12th,
nine had been killed by
vehicles. Slow down and blow your horn when
approaching birds on the
highway.
American Goldfinch: Large numbers continue to
come to the Visitor Centre
feeders daily, peaking at 150 this week.
Evening Grosbeak: The Visitor Centre feeders
are still hosting as many as
130 of these spectacular finches. Lesser
numbers come for seed provided by
people at at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and near the
locked gate on Opeongo Road.
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
Pine Grosbeaks
Posted on February 16, 2017 at 04:48:05 PM by janice
house
I spoke with Tim Mason today who lives on the
Luckey Rd in Raymond. He saw 10 pine grosbeaks on Saturday and also sees the
occasional northern shrike in his neighbourhood
Great Backyard Bird
Count - Feb. 17-20
Posted on February 15, 2017 at 02:41:47 PM by Barbara
Taylor
The annual Great Backyard Bird Count starts on
Friday. Details about how to participate can be found at http://gbbc.birdcount.org.
Or simply post your yard lists here on the Bird Board to compare notes with
other local birdwatchers.
Re(1): early songs
Posted on February 15, 2017 at 12:54:12 PM by Barbara Taylor
Our resident male Cardinal was serenading his new
mate this morning. (Bracebridge)
early songs
Posted on February 14, 2017 at 09:13:45 PM by John Challis
Chickadees have been giving their best
three-note romance songs since the big thaw in January. But white breasted
nuthatches have been joining in, off and on, for the last three weeks or so, as
weather permitted. And today, the American robin was back with two friends.
All three species were in song up and down our
road this morning -- which, given the weather lately, was a warmly welcomed
experience.
Re(1): Great Gray
Owl - not today
Posted on February 15, 2017 at 12:16:48 PM by Barbara
Taylor
No sign of the Owl this morning and it has probably
left the area judging by all the Red Squirrels running around.
Update: as of Feb. 20, still no sign of the owl
Re(1): Great Gray
Owl
Posted on February 14, 2017 at 09:02:43 PM by coreyhkh
Sweet!
Great Gray Owl
Posted on February 14, 2017 at 01:46:01 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there was a Great Gray Owl perched
near "the chickadee trail" east of Henry Marsh. (Bracebridge)
Cooper's Hawk
Posted on February 13, 2017 at 03:59:23 PM by Barbara Taylor
A Cooper's Hawk just took a run at a Mourning
Dove on the platform feeder. I had been watching two male Pileated Woodpeckers
having a bit of a tussle when suddenly the Hawk flew into our yard at full
speed. It missed the Dove and sent the two Pileateds flying off, clucking loud
alarm calls as they went. The Hawk briefly perched in a tree while it took a
good look around the feeders and then flew off to the north-west. (Bracebridge)
Bald Eagles -
Huntsville
Posted on February 11, 2017 at 03:42:47 PM by Ontbirds
This report was originally posted by Stephen
Derraugh on ONTBIRDS (Feb. 11, 2017) and is provided here with the kind
permission of the Ontario Field
Ornithologists.
Beautiful day in Muskoka after days of heavy
snow and ice rain. Tough slogging in the bush.
Witnessed two mature Bald Eagles behind the G8
Summit Centre, circling the Lookout hill/trail (Lions Lookout) situated behind
the G8 Centre in Huntsville, Ontario. I watched them for a good 15 minutes but
did not witness them descend to the ice or seek prey on the Muskoka River. We
have 100's of ducks where the water is open on the river. With the deep snow
and ice there very well may be a deer carcass that I have not found (or the
ravens have alerted me too).
Good birding,
Stephen
Re(1): In Canada
it's OK to call it the grey jay
Posted on February 14, 2017 at 09:14:49 PM by John Challis
Yay! Justification for Canadian spelling!
In Canada it's OK
to call it the grey jay
Posted on February 11, 2017 at 08:27:09 AM by Al Sinclair
This links to a post by the IOC that explains
why:
British
vs American
Grey Jay
Bracebridge
Posted on February 10, 2017 at 02:16:52 PM by Al Sinclair
Sam Robinson reported a single grey jay stopped
briefly in her backyard this morning at 262 Dill St., Bracebridge. It observed
the feeder activity for a while but left without coming down.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 9 February
Posted on February 9, 2017 at 11:48:16 PM by Ontbirds
This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Feb. 9, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Tomorrow, February 10, will be the second Bird
Feeder Friday this
winter. The Visitor Centre webcams will be
aimed at the bird feeders from 8
am to 5 pm. To see large numbers of Evening
Grosbeaks at the feeders, an
uncommon occurrence in southern Ontario since
the 1970s, watch tomorrow at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/feeder_friday.php
You will also be able to see a review of
observations from Bird Feeder
Friday on January 20th.
The most recent observation of a Northern
Goshawk at Spruce Bog Boardwalk
was on the 5th. A Northern Shrike was chased by
Blue Jays near the Visitor
Centre deck on the 4th and likely the same bird
was hunting goldfinches at
the parking lot feeder there the next day.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: There were no reports this week
but the Spruce Bog Boardwalk
birds will likely be found again soon.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One was observed at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the
5th.
Gray Jay: They were still regular at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk, Opeongo
Road near the locked gate and at the Logging
Museum parking lot.
Boreal Chickadee: At least one continued to be
seen regularly near the start
of Spruce Bog Boardwalk and around the suet
feeder there. Another individual
was found at Mew Lake Campground.
WINTER FINCHES
Pine Grosbeak: A few were seen along Highway 60
this week. One was at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk on several days.
Purple Finch: Four males were reported with
some siskins at km 20 on the
4th.
Red Crossbill: Most sightings were again of
only one to three birds, but
were widespread. There were twenty near Lake of
Two Rivers on the 6th.
White-winged Crossbill: This crossbill was also
usually seen in fairly small
numbers, but sightings were regular. High
numbers were about 20.
Common Redpoll: Sightings of very small numbers
continued. On the 5th, there
were reports of two on Bat Lake Trail and five
on Mizzy Lake Trail.
Pine Siskin: A gradual increase may be
occurring. There were 25 at km 10 on
the 3rd and 30 on Mizzy Lake Trail on the 4th.
However, most reports
involved small numbers.
American Goldfinch: Up to 120 continued at the
Visitor Centre feeders daily.
Evening Grosbeak: The Visitor Centre feeders
attracted at least 100 every
day. Small groups are still coming for bird
seed left at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk and near the locked gate on Opeongo
Road, as well.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Golden Eagle
Posted on February 8, 2017 at 02:35:56 PM by
tedthevideoman
Just out topping up niger feeders as the Gold
finches are eating me out of house and home!, way up was an eagle soaring with wing
tips up...he seemed much larger than a Bald...had a good 3 minute
look...Golden?...look up is your close...120 Meadow Heights about 2:20 pm
Common Redpolls
Posted on February 7, 2017 at 01:07:45 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were about 25 Redpolls
feeding in the Alders by the dip in the trail east of Henry Marsh.
(Bracebridge)
Robin
Posted on February 7, 2017 at 10:06:44 AM by John Challis
American robin, calling from a treetop on Green
River Drive this morning, around 7:30. It flew off toward the river with an
alarm whinny. No mistaking the flight pattern. I'm taking this as a sign it
arrived here knowing we're north of the limit of the freezing rain...although
I'm not holding out a lot of hope.
Male Hairy bulking
up before the freezing rain arrives
Posted on February 7, 2017 at 09:50:24 AM by
michaelhatton
photo
Re(2): A Woodpecker
day
Posted on February 12, 2017 at 01:58:34 PM by Barbara
Taylor
The Red-bellied Woodpecker has been back today.
Once again he took a peanut up to his favourite spot...but a bit snowier than
my last photo on Feb. 10. A pair of Pileateds were hanging around this morning
too. (Bracebridge) photo
(back again at 2:20 p.m. when the snow eased off) photo2
Re(1): A Woodpecker
day
Posted on February 10, 2017 at 10:37:33 PM by Barbara
Taylor
After a couple days absence, the Red-bellied
Woodpecker showed up this morning for peanuts along with the Blue Jays. The
other Woodpeckers staggered their visits today, so no more lineups at the suet.
Red-bellied Woodpecker took the peanut to his favourite spot high in our birch
tree: photo
A Woodpecker day
Posted on February 5, 2017 at 08:52:41 PM by Barbara Taylor
Today there were lineups at our suet feeders as
too many Woodpeckers showed up all at once. There were a few skirmishes as the
birds jockeyed for position. We had four Downy Woodpeckers, a pair of Hairy
Woodpeckers, a male Pileated, and the male Red-bellied.
Here are a couple photos of the Red-bellied
Woodpecker from today (yes, snowing again): photo1
photo2
Re(1): Turkeys,
Port Sydney.
Posted on February 5, 2017 at 07:38:25 PM by
FrancesGualtieri
Our neighbours in Vankoughnet had 22 turkeys in
their yard a few days ago.
Frances Gualtieri
Turkeys, Port
Sydney.
Posted on February 5, 2017 at 09:17:16 AM by Jim Griffin
My Turkey drought is officially over, I have
been waiting for years to have a rafter in my yard but have had to get by with
brief walk through visits by a few at a time; yesterday morning and again this
morning my front yard was invaded by 32 wild turkeys which spent some time
scratching around my feeder site then this morning they launched out over the
river and flew back across to South Mary Lake road area, there is more bush
over there.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 2 February
Posted on February 3, 2017 at 04:39:53 PM by Ontbirds
This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Feb. 3, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Great opportunities to see, enjoy and
photograph winter birds continued in
the Park this week.
Ruffed Grouse were seen regularly along the
Visitor Centre driveway, and the
female Wild Turkey is still coming daily to the
parking lot feeder there.
A Northern Shrike, perhaps the bird at Lookout
Trail last week, was seen at
the Big Pines Trail parking lot on January 29
and near the Visitor Centre
feeders on February 1.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: One was observed in the black
spruce along northern Opeongo
Road on the 27th. One or two were regularly
found near the start of Spruce
Bog Boardwalk until the 29th, before
disappearing back into the woodwork in
typical Spruce Grouse fashion later in the
week.
Black-backed Woodpecker: A male was heard
tapping, seen and photographed
back of the MOLOK refuse containers site in Mew
Lake Campground on the 28th
and 29th. Another male was near the locked gate
on Opeongo Road on the 30th.
Gray Jay: They continue to be regular at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo
Road near the locked gate and at the Logging
Museum parking lot.
Boreal Chickadee: One provided great views, and
a life bird for some, all
this week on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. It was seen
at the entrance where people
are leaving bird seed on the railing and along
the trail to the area of the
suet feeder at the register box. One of these
chickadees was also found at
Mew Lake Campground where it was reported
feeding in spruce with
White-winged Crossbills on the 29th.
WINTER FINCHES
Pine Grosbeak: Several were still coming for
green ash keys at Lookout Trail
parking lot this week, and were best viewed
from the vehicle since they
tended to fly when people got out to look at
them. One or two were also
reported from Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Mew Lake
on single days.
Purple Finch: Two were reported getting grit on
the highway near Lake of Two
Rivers on the 31st. This species continues to
be very scarce here this
winter.
Red Crossbill: Reports were of one to three
birds at various locations along
Highway 60 and Opeongo Road, the same as last
week.
White-winged Crossbill: Most observations were
of ten or fewer individuals.
A total of 60 was reported from Opeongo Road on
the 28th. They were seen
regularly at Mew Lake Campground and Spruce Bog
Boardwalk this week.
Common Redpoll: This finch is present but in
low numbers. Up to seven were
noted along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 28th
and 29th, and five were
reported along the highway between Mew Lake and
the Visitor Centre on the
31st.
Pine Siskin: One was observed at the Visitor
Centre on the 29th, but the
species has been seen very infrequently this
winter. A sighting of 60 with
ten American Goldfinches getting grit on the
highway near Lake of Two Rivers
on February 1 was therefore unusual.
American Goldfinch: Numbers at the Visitor
Centre feeders ranged from about
70 to 150 each day. They are also being seen on
the road across the Park,
and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and near the
Opeongo Road locked gate.
Evening Grosbeak: Up to 140 were reported at
the Visitor Centre feeders each
day this week, and small groups are still
coming for bird seed left at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk and near the locked gate on
Opeongo Road.
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): Where are the
jays?
Posted on February 4, 2017 at 12:38:46 PM by Dawn Sherman
There are plenty here in Oxtongue Lake! I have
about 20 at my feeders on a regular basis and have had up to 35 some days!
Re(1): Where are
the jays?
Posted on February 3, 2017 at 08:27:27 PM by Barbara Taylor
I think the lack of natural food sources
convinced many Blue Jays to migrate south last fall. We have 4 Blue Jays coming
to our yard regularly (Bracebridge). They are two mated pairs of birds that
have overwintered here for several years so perhaps they've learned they can
depend on the neighbourhood feeders. Red-breasted Nuthatches seem to be quite
scarce this winter too, although our resident pair has remained here. Their
early migration was also noted in Ron Pittaway's forecast.
Here is a quote from Ron Pittaway's Winter
Finch Forecast:
"BLUE JAY: Expect a much larger than usual
flight of jays from mid-September to mid-October along the north shorelines of
Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The acorn, beechnut, hazelnut crops were generally
poor but variable in central and southern Ontario. Drought has damaged many
seed crops."
Re(2): Where are
the jays?
Posted on February 3, 2017 at 07:06:20 PM by
missyinmuskoka
I have 10-15 at my feeders at a time. South
Kahshe lake road, Kilworthy
Re(1): Where are
the jays?
Posted on February 3, 2017 at 05:07:46 PM by J. Gardner
Have seen maybe three or four jays since
November. My sister, lives outside Lindsay, reports the same thing... no jays.
J. Gardner Killdeer Crescent, Bracebridge.
Where are the jays?
Posted on February 3, 2017 at 04:24:27 PM by
FrancesGualtieri
We haven't seen a single blue jay at our feeder
this winter, in Vankoughnet. What's up?
Frances Gualtieri
Siskins Arrive in
Blowing Snow
Posted on February 2, 2017 at 01:03:00 PM by
michaelhatton
photo1
photo2
photo3
Re(3): barred owl
Posted on February 3, 2017 at 12:22:36 PM by John Challis
I should also add that the profusion of rabbits
-- both snowshoe and cottontail, I think -- in our neighbourhood this winter
should provide plenty of dining options for the owl. That, along with the trail
of mouse tracks under the bird feeders, could explain why it's been hanging
around our yard so much.
Re(2): barred owl
Posted on February 2, 2017 at 06:47:29 PM by John Challis
I was just assuming it was reducing the amount
of light in its eyes - much as Inuit do with their bone or wood
"sunglasses". It was being very attentive to all the sounds around
it.
But we are making every attempt at reducing the
mouse population in our house, so any captures will be served as a snack.
Re(1): barred owl
Posted on February 2, 2017 at 02:13:06 PM by jim griffin
I recall Janice Enright advising that squinted
or closed eyes like that on a barred owl is a sign of stress- find that one a
couple of mice!
barred owl
Posted on February 2, 2017 at 11:38:05 AM by John Challis
Gayle has been watching this owl for quite a
while now. It perches on this same branch and naps for hours. I finally got to
see it myself today. It did not enjoy the snow; once it let up, the owl shook
itself off and groomed itself carefully, looked around at the world through
squinted eyes and then nodded back off. I'm not sure how well this composite
will show up. I may have tinkered too much and the resolution may have
suffered. photo
Wild Turkeys
Posted on February 1, 2017 at 01:30:38 PM by Barbara Taylor
These three Wild Turkeys appeared in our yard
today around noon and are still scratching away under the feeders.
(Bracebridge) photo
Re(1): Pine Siskin
Posted on February 2, 2017 at 02:09:16 PM by jim griffin
one at my feeder in Port Sydney yesterday, 7
today
Pine Siskin
Posted on February 1, 2017 at 12:20:56 PM by janice
house
The first I have seen this year, it was feeding
with a small flock of gold finch this morning in the back yard. Doe Lake Rd
Gravenhurst
Huntsville Nature
Club MEETING
Posted on January 31, 2017 at 10:29:22 AM by CortneyL
Huntsville Nature Club Meeting, Tuesday,
January 31, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Hall on West Street at 7 p.m. Dan
Strickland will talk about his trip to Ethiopia. Guests are always welcome. A
$3 donation is appreciated.
Re(3): Red-bellied
Woodpecker update
Posted on February 14, 2017 at 07:39:57 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
Joyce and Hal Pegg, Torance, have one coming in
occasionally to their feeders.
Re(1): Red-bellied
Woodpecker update
Posted on February 1, 2017 at 04:13:23 PM by Barbara Taylor
The Red-bellied Woodpecker wasn't seen the past
two days, but showed up this afternoon at the suet at his usual time around
3:30 p.m. (Bracebridge) photo1
photo2
Re(2): Red-bellied
Woodpecker update
Posted on January 30, 2017 at 10:26:36 AM by dinnynimmo
The Muskoka Bird Board has gone to a new level..matchmaking!!
Dinny ( in Barrie for the Winter)
Re(1): Red-bellied
Woodpecker update
Posted on January 29, 2017 at 01:54:03 PM by dinnymccraney
Hi Barbara,
I've had a lone female cardinal living in the
cedar hedge since last fall. I saw her yesterday, but do I dare hope she might
be the mate your male has found?
Red-bellied
Woodpecker update
Posted on January 29, 2017 at 10:31:00 AM by Barbara Taylor
The male Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to
visit our yard. He came in with the Blue Jays this morning for a peanut and
then spent some time preening high in our birch tree. Also the resident male
Cardinal has finally found a new mate and both came to the feeder this morning.
(Bracebridge) photo
photo2
photo3
Goldfinch with
orange feathers
Posted on January 28, 2017 at 02:01:56 PM by Barbara Taylor
Missy Mandel took this photo of a Goldfinch
with some orange coloured feathers in place of the usual yellow colour. There
are at least three of these orange-marked birds in the flock of 40. Could it be
due to a pigment in some food the birds ate? I've seen orange-tipped tails on
Cedar Waxwings, but have never heard of orange-marked Goldfinches. photo
Here
are a couple interesting articles:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/10/birds-change-colors-flickers-honeysuckles
http://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/featured-stories/where-feather-colors-come-from-why-cardinals-are-red-and-grackles-are-shiny/
Bohemian Waxwings
Posted on January 27, 2017 at 03:58:59 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon at the Bracebridge Ponds there
were about 50 Bohemian Waxwings perched high in a tree north of cell 4.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report - 26 January
Posted on January 27, 2017 at 01:06:43 PM by Ontbirds
This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Jan. 26, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Lots of birders and lots of birds for them to
see this week, with more
pleasant temperatures as well.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: Observers were seeing a total of
two (and sometimes three)
from near the parking lot to the suet feeder on
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the
weekend.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Try Spruce Bog
Boardwalk and the black spruce
sections of Opeongo Road. A female was at the
parking lot near the locked
gate on Opeongo Road today.
Gray Jay: They continue to be regular at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo
Road near the locked gate and at the Logging
Museum parking lot.
Boreal Chickadee: One or two were noted at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk near the
suet feeder and one was along Opeongo Road
north of the locked gate. An
individual at Spruce Bog today was located by
its vocalizing.
WINTER FINCHES
Pine Grosbeak: One was observed along Opeongo
Road on January 20. About
eight feeding on green ash keys at Lookout Trail
entrance were seen by many
on the 22nd and 23rd. A dozen there this
afternoon attracted a Northern
Shrike.
Purple Finch: One was at the Visitor Centre on
the 21st.
Red Crossbill: Small groups were seen at
several locations along the highway
and on Opeongo Road.
White-winged Crossbill: Opeongo Road and Spruce
Bog Boardwalk produced small
numbers of this crossbill all week. Some were
at Bat Lake Trail as well.
Common Redpoll: One was seen and photographed
at the Visitor Centre feeders
all week. A few of these redpolls were along
Opeongo Road on the 21st.
Pine Siskin: One to three were observed at the
Visitor Centre feeders
regularly.
American Goldfinch: About 40 to 75 were at the
Visitor Centre feeders this
week.
Evening Grosbeak: Daily numbers reported at the
Visitor Centre feeders
ranged from 65 to 150 this week. A few continue
to be attracted to sunflower
seed left by visitors at Spruce Bog Boardwalk
and near the Opeongo Road
locked gate also.
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).
The Visitor Centre exhibits, bookstore and
restaurant at km 43 are open on
weekends from 9 am to 5 pm in winter. The
Visitor Centre is also open on
weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm, with self-serve hot
and cold beverages plus
snacks available in the restaurant.
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
coyote tracks
Posted on January 26, 2017 at 01:07:31 PM by John Challis
The tracks I followed across our yard last
night were definitely canid, and I'm assuming they were coyote, based on our
dog's curiosity about them. But the gait was really intriguing. The footprints
were in a pattern almost like a rabbit's. Three feet were clustered together,
trailed by the fourth footprint about 20cm behind. On the road, the tracks
reverted to the familiar pattern of a dog. But in the woods, they were in the
3-together and 4th behind pattern. They were not a long distance apart, so the
animal wasn't in a huge hurry. It wasn't until I saw Nootka sinking belly-deep
through the light crust on top that I realized the coyote (if indeed it was)
was distributing its weight very carefully over three feet at a time, with the
fourth acting a bit like a rudder. The footprints also showed it was leaning
back over its dew claws, presumably to increase the surface area. It was a
smaller animal than Nootka (German shepherd), but it was still bigger than a
fox, and very few footprints actually sank down into the snow.
Re(1): Chipmunk
Posted on January 24, 2017 at 12:54:58 PM by J. Gardner
OPPORTUNIST! J. Gardner
Chipmunk
Posted on January 24, 2017 at 11:52:09 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning a Chipmunk came running across the
snow and disappeared under our deck. (Bracebridge)
Wild Turkeys
Posted on January 20, 2017 at 02:21:26 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were eight Wild Turkeys by
the community mailbox on Henry Rd. They eventually moved off to the east behind
the nearby houses on Beaumont Dr. (Bracebridge)
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 19 January
Posted on January 19, 2017 at 11:55:01 PM by Ontbirds
This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Jan. 19, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Tomorrow, January 20, will be the first of
three Bird Feeder Fridays this
winter. Others will occur on February 10 and
24. The Visitor Centre webcam
will be aimed at the bird feeders from 8 am to
sunset.
Watch at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/feeder_friday.php
Yesterday, the Sunday Creek Bog moose carcass
attracted two wolves near dawn
and later a Bald Eagle (briefly).
The female Wild Turkey continued to come to the
Visitor Centre parking lot
feeder.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: The banded male and another male
were photographed in a large
spruce at the first short section of boardwalk
on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on
the 15th. This confirmed that the Spruce Grouse
taken at the trail by a
Northern Goshawk on January 1 was not the
banded individual that is now
likely entering its tenth year.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Two were observed
along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the
14th.
Gray Jay: They continue to be regular at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo
Road near the locked gate and at the Logging
Museum parking lot.
Boreal Chickadee: One posed for photos at point
blank range near the
register box and suet feeder of Spruce Bog
Boardwalk and a probable second
individual was seen near the trail parking lot
on most days this week.
WINTER FINCHES
Pine Grosbeak: A few were noted along Highway
60, including at km 28 and km
36. Pine Grosbeaks had apparently eaten all the
green ash seeds at Mew Lake
Campground entrance by the 15th.
Purple Finch: Single birds at km 28.5 on the
13th and photographed at the
Western Uplands Backpacking Trail entrance on
the 14th were the first of
this species reported since December 18.
Red Crossbill: Seen in small numbers on the
highway. Other locations were
Opeongo Road, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and in
flight at the Visitor Centre.
White-winged Crossbill: Seen in small numbers
on the highway. In mostly
small groups, it was also found on Opeongo
Road, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
Bat Lake Trail.
Common Redpoll: Two or three were regular at
the Visitor Centre feeders on
most days this week.
Pine Siskin: From one to six were observed at
the Visitor Centre feeders all
week. A flock of 24 was seen on the highway
near km 43 and 15 were at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk on the 15th.
American Goldfinch: About 50 to 80 were regular
at the Visitor Centre
feeders this week. Other flocks were at Opeongo
Road, Spruce Bog Boardwalk
and the West Gate.
Evening Grosbeak: Up to 150 are still coming
daily, especially in early
morning, to the Visitor Centre feeders. Small
numbers continue to be
attracted to sunflower seed left by visitors at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
near the Opeongo Road locked gate as well.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
DIRECTIONS:
Algonquin Provincial Park is three hours
north of Toronto, via Highways
400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs which start in
Toronto on Highway 400.
From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then
follow Highway 60 to the
park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the
Park go from the
West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56).
The Visitor Centre exhibits, bookstore and
restaurant at km 43 are open on
weekends from 9 am to 5 pm in winter. The
Visitor Centre is also open on
weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm, with self-serve hot
and cold beverages plus
snacks available in the restaurant.
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
Re(1): Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Posted on January 23, 2017 at 04:18:24 PM by Barbara Taylor
He was here briefly this afternoon. Most of the
usual birds had stayed out of sight this morning while a Cooper's Hawk was
checking out the neighbourhood.
Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Posted on January 19, 2017 at 04:54:43 PM by Barbara Taylor
The male Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to
visit our yard, but less frequently now that conditions are milder. Today he
came in a few times with some Blue Jays for peanuts, and enjoyed a nibble of
suet shortly before dusk. (Bracebridge)
Here's a photo from a few days ago: photo
Northern Shrike
Posted on January 19, 2017 at 02:36:02 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around noon today at Henry Marsh there was an
adult Northern Shrike perched in some alders next to the trail. There were two
Pileated Woodpeckers along the "Chickadee Trail" as well as the usual
friendly bunch of Chickadees and Nuthatches. (Bracebridge)
The trail out to the marsh from Henry Rd. and
the trail east of the marsh (the Chickadee Trail) were in good condition, not
icy at all. Note that the snowshoe trail through the woods from Kerr Park and a
section near the main snowmobile trail may become dangerous as the wet areas
are not frozen solid under the trail in several places, and temperatures are
forecast to remain above zero for several days.
Barred Owl
Posted on January 18, 2017 at 07:56:11 PM by VivienVezina
Barred Owl visiting our back yard in Vankoughnet
Village all day and here tonight as well still perched in a tree looking for
mice. He or she does not seem to be easily spooked by us.
Barred Owl looking
for mice
Posted on January 17, 2017 at 01:26:44 PM by michaelhatton
Hall's Road near Cranberry Marsh. photo
Algonquin Park
Update: 16 January
Posted on January 16, 2017 at 04:30:55 PM by Ontbirds
This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Jan. 16, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
The road-killed moose placed in the Sunday
Creek valley, off the Visitor
Centre viewing deck, has been attracting a
variety of birds and mammals.
Sightings have included: wolves (briefly on
January 8), fisher (January 14
and 15), American marten (January 14), red fox
(most days), Common Ravens
(daily) and Bald Eagle (January 13).
Yesterday, a pack of wolves was heard howling
in the valley and a single
wolf was seen on nearby Fork Lake, and two
fishers and a fox were frequently
coming to the carcass. Already today, a fisher
has been feeding on the
carcass and chasing two ravens away from it.
To view the moose online, go to:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/index.php
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).
The Visitor Centre exhibits, bookstore and
restaurant at km 43 are open on
weekends from 9 am to 5 pm in winter. The
Visitor Centre is also open on
weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm, with self-serve hot
and cold beverages plus
snacks available in the restaurant.
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
Re(1): Trumpeter
Swan K80 - background information
Posted on January 17, 2017 at 05:35:50 PM by IanP
Thanks Barbara! I love finding out little
things like that. It's neat to know how old he is and where he goes. Hopefully
we will see him again!
Cheers,
I A N
Trumpeter Swan K80
- background information
Posted on January 15, 2017 at 10:55:40 PM by Barbara Taylor
Last September IanP reported seeing tagged
Trumpeter Swan K80 near Lake of Bays. It has taken quite a while, but I've now
received some background information from Kyna Intini who looks after the
database. I also received word from Bev Kingdon yesterday that they have
approximately 125 Trumpeters at LaSalle Park in Burlington but very few cygnets
this year.
Here is Kyna's information about K80:
"Thank you for reporting Trumpeter swan
K80, he seemed to be a popular bird this summer because I got a number of
reports on him. He was hatched in 2013 to parents 175 & K75 who nested near
Washago. He made it down to LaSalle this winter. On Wednesday I banded a lone
cygnet at LaSalle and it went and hung out with K80. I suspect it might be a
sibling from this years K75 & unbanded mate’s brood. I will watch and see
if this cygnet rejoins a family or stays with K80."
Trumpeter Swans -
Washago
Posted on January 15, 2017 at 05:37:08 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon there were 125 Trumpeter Swans
visible from the Washago public dock (out Quetton St.). Julie Kee was trying to
lure some in to be banded, but they weren't co-operating. Two had been banded
earlier in the day, an adult and a cygnet. There were also several Mallards, a
Common Merganser, and three Common Goldeneye in view. I was told that about a
hundred Trumpeter Swans had been hanging out where there was open water by
Fawcett Rd. until recently when the ice cleared out by the town dock.
On the way to Washago we made a brief stop by
the Gravenhurst Landfill and saw two Bald Eagles and some Ravens.
Re(2): weasel at
suet (photos)
Posted on January 14, 2017 at 09:03:33 AM by Doug Smith
I think it was too hungry. What was also
interesting is that a red squirrel was on the nearby platform feeder, and was
not afraid of it. Maybe it knew it was disabled?
Re(1): weasel at
suet (photos)
Posted on January 13, 2017 at 08:44:02 PM by coreyhkh
wow was it not afraid?
weasel at suet
(photos)
Posted on January 13, 2017 at 06:59:43 PM by Doug Smith
A long-tailed (I think) weasel was at our suet
feeder around noon today. photo
When I went to put more food outside I found it on our deck. After watching it for a few minutes I realized it seems to be missing its right front leg. photo
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 12 January
Posted on January 12, 2017 at 11:38:30 PM by Ontbirds
This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Jan. 12, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
A road-killed moose has been placed in the
Sunday Creek Bog again this year.
It can be seen from the Visitor Centre viewing
deck, especially with the
telescope provided there. The carcass had not
attracted the expected birds
and mammals by today, but that may change soon.
The female Wild Turkey continued to be reported
irregularly at the Visitor
Centre parking lot feeder.
A juvenile Bald Eagle over Spruce Bog Boardwalk
on January 7th and an adult
near the Visitor Centre on the 11th were both
photographed. Wolf kills are
an important food source for wintering eagles
in Algonquin.
Twelve Bohemian Waxwings were observed at Track
and Tower Trail on the 7th.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: A male was photographed past the
long boardwalk near the
kettle bog section of Spruce Bog Boardwalk on
the 7th.
Black-backed Woodpecker: Look for this
woodpecker on conifers with bark
removed. Listen for the relatively quiet
tapping as they scale off bark to
feed on wood-boring beetle larvae. Check black
spruce, balsam and tamarack
on Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road north
of the locked gate.
Gray Jay: They continue to be regular at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo
Road near the locked gate.
Boreal Chickadee: No reports this week. Look
for them and listen for their
distinctive calls along Spruce Bog Boardwalk
and Opeongo Road north of the
locked gate.
WINTER FINCHES
Pine Grosbeak: Some were still being seen
feeding on green ash seeds near
Mew Lake Campground entrance this week. Others
were noted on the highway at
various locations.
Red Crossbill: Sightings occurred on Peck Lake
Trail, Lookout Trail and
Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Small numbers were
regularly reported getting sand
and/or salt on the highway also.
White-winged Crossbill: It was reported from
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on three
days this week, and others were observed on the
highway.
Common Redpoll: Twelve were noted on Bat Lake
Trail on the 5th.
Pine Siskin: A single bird was observed
regularly with goldfinches at the
Visitor Centre feeders. Watch for them on the
highway. A flock of 40 on the
road was photographed near Peck Lake Trail on
the 7th.
American Goldfinch: As many as 40 were regular
at the Visitor Centre feeders
this week.
Evening Grosbeak: Up to 150 are still coming
daily, especially in early
morning, to the Visitor Centre feeders. Small
numbers are also being
attracted to sunflower seed left by visitors at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
near the Opeongo Road locked gate.
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).
The Visitor Centre exhibits, bookstore and
restaurant at km 43 are open on
weekends from 9 am to 5 pm in winter. The
Visitor Centre is also open on
weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm, with self-serve hot
and cold beverages plus
snacks available in the restaurant.
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
Re(1): Evening
Grosbeaks
Posted on January 12, 2017 at 01:28:09 PM by Barbara
Taylor
I put some sunflower seeds on the snowpack on
our deck in the hope that the Evening Grosbeaks would see it if they flew over.
No Grosbeaks so far, but about 120 Goldfinches showed up for lunch just ahead
of the snow.
Evening Grosbeaks
Posted on January 12, 2017 at 11:38:25 AM by Barbara
Taylor
At 11 a.m. this morning there were about 40
Evening Grosbeaks sitting high in the trees near #104-107 Meadow Heights Dr.
(Bracebridge)
Re(2): Pileated
Woodpeckers...three's a crowd
Posted on January 14, 2017 at 09:50:55 AM by Barbara
Taylor
It's a stovepipe with the top opening sealed
off tight to the 4x4. Very effective in preventing squirrels, chipmunks, and
raccoons from getting to the food by climbing the feeder pole/post. Flying
Squirrels, well, that's another problem. During the recent mild spell a raccoon
stole all the beef fat from suet cages on the trees, but didn't get to the
feeders in the photo thanks to the stovepipe.
Re(1): Pileated
Woodpeckers...three's a crowd
Posted on January 13, 2017 at 11:59:55 PM by John Challis
Looks like you have some kind of squirrel
baffle around the post. Sheet metal? Does it work?
Pileated
Woodpeckers...three's a crowd
Posted on January 10, 2017 at 05:02:29 PM by Barbara Taylor
We've had two Pileated Woodpeckers (male and
female) making regular visits to our yard the past few days. This afternoon I
noticed a male Pileated feeding at the suet cage, but he seemed to have a
different technique than usual. Suddenly a second male Pileated flew across the
yard right at him and forced him to fly up into a tree. The first male tried to
come back to a different feeder but once again was driven away by the other
male. Eventually he gave up and flew out of the yard. The aggressive male
briefly went over to feed at the suet, and then positioned himself in a nearby
pine tree. The female Pileated stayed out of the skirmish.
The male Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to
visit our yard. Here's a photo
from yesterday when he was resting high in our birch tree. And a photo
of one of the male Pileateds at the suet.
Redpolls arriving
with Goldfinches at Leonard Lake
Posted on January 10, 2017 at 02:54:42 PM by
michaelhatton
As many as 60 American Goldfinches arrived
today, mostly feeding off a 12 foot section of deck railing. By early
afternoon, we were seeing a few Redpolls mixed in with the Goldfinches.
Visibility is down to 1/4 mile with strong gusts that drive the birds into the
trees. photo1
photo2
Common Goldeneye at
Washago
Posted on January 9, 2017 at 05:28:13 PM by
michaelhatton
Centennial Park in Washago is currently hosting
Common Goldeneye, Trumpeters and dozens of Mallards in a small patch of open
water. On the other side of Highway 11 (seen from Fawcett Drive), the
Trent-Severn is brimming with more than 70 Trumpeters, a single Mute Swan,
Common Mergansers, Mallards, a pair of Black Ducks, a single Hooded Merganser
and a nice variety of feeder birds. photo
photo2
photo3
photo4
Re(2): Smith's
Longspur worth the drive!
Posted on January 10, 2017 at 02:47:33 PM by
michaelhatton
Smith's Longspur photos taken Jan 2nd. There
was no snow in that area ... too close to Lake Erie. A few miles north there
was lots of snow, but not nearly what we are seeing here.
Re(1): Smith's
Longspur worth the drive!
Posted on January 10, 2017 at 11:52:31 AM by janice
house
Great photos Michael! Where is the snow?
Smith's Longspur
worth the drive!
Posted on January 8, 2017 at 02:57:52 PM by
michaelhatton
Still being seen north of Long Point Provincial
Park. photo1
photo2
Cooper's hawk
Posted on January 7, 2017 at 03:22:02 PM by John Challis
Driving into Bracebridge on Entrance Drive, a
Cooper's hawk flew across the road in front of us, heading towards the small
apartment building.
Bioblitz this
spring in Haliburton County...
Posted on January 7, 2017 at 11:26:22 AM by EdPoropat
Greeting everyone!
I wish you all a wonderful New Year, with piles
of awesome, rare species for your 2017 life lists! J
This year, I am organizing a bioblitz on behalf
of the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust. I am reaching out to all of you for
assistance in making this the most successful event possible. Although still in
the planning stages, here are a few details:
Where: Dahl Forest. A beautiful 400 acre
property that straddles the pristine Burnt River, S of Gelert, ON in Haliburton
County. Some of you might recognize the site as it is where Common Sanddragon
was first discovered in Haliburton County.
When: Saturday, June 24th to Sunday, June 25th
Time: 11:00am to 11:00am.
There will be an area set aside for camping,
for those that would prefer to do that. Feel free to come for a few hours or
for the entire 24hour period. I would love to collect data on as many taxa as
possible, but this will obviously depend on the expertise available. I am
hoping to have some short guided hikes for the general public throughout the
day, focused on different groups of plants or animals.
Please feel free to contact me and let me know
if you might be interested in participating, and what taxa you could assist
with. Also, please feel free to share this with friends/acquaintances that
might also be keen to assist.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,
Ed Poropat
Haliburton, ON
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 5 January
Posted on January 6, 2017 at 09:07:59 PM by Ontbirds
This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Jan. 6, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
A Northern Goshawk carrying a Spruce Grouse was
seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk
on January 1st. The grouse could have been the
banded male that is at least
nine years old. Check any male grouse seen
there for a greenish-blue band on
the left leg.
Bohemian Waxwings are still being seen
occasionally, including four
photographed at the Visitor Centre on January
2nd.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: Observed during the week at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
Black-backed Woodpecker: One was reported on
three days this week at Spruce
Bog Boardwalk.
Gray Jay: Continue to be regular at Spruce Bog
Boardwalk and Opeongo Road
near the locked gate.
Boreal Chickadee: This species has been
difficult to find this week, with
only six reported by the 76 observers on the
December 30th CBC. One was
observed along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January
4th.
WINTER FINCHES
Pine Grosbeak: Check the Green Ash trees near
the entrance to Mew Lake
Campground where a few continue to feed on the
abundant samaras. Some have
been reported along the highway as well.
Red Crossbill: Small numbers are being observed
regularly, often feeding on
the seeds of Black Spruce cones. Also watch for
them on the highway seeking
sand and salt.
White-winged Crossbill: This crossbill is being
seen daily at various
locations along the highway and on the trails.
Common Redpoll: A few have started to appear in
the Park. Watch for them on
the highway. Some were observed in siskin flocks.
Hoary Redpoll: A bird of the
"Southern" subspecies was noted in a flock of
45 siskins and two Common Redpolls getting grit
off the highway near Lake of
Two Rivers on January 2nd.
Pine Siskin: After just six were reported on the
December 30th CBC, flocks
of 30 to 50 birds were being seen along the
highway later in the week.
American Goldfinch: Up to 30 came to the
Visitor Centre feeders each day.
Evening Grosbeak: As many as 175 were counted
at the Visitor Centre feeders,
where they continue to be most numerous in the
morning. Sunflower seed put
out by visitors at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
near the Opeongo Road locked
gate attracted small flocks as well.
Birders reporting records through eBird are
encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account
(APPbirds).
Good Birding!
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Re(1): Loggerhead
Strike
Posted on January 5, 2017 at 07:24:30 PM by Barbara Taylor
Too bad for the chickadee, but what a great
chance to see a Shrike in action. Northern Shrikes are the ones normally
expected in Ontario in the winter months. Loggerhead Shrikes should have
already migrated south out of Ontario by October. They look very similar and it
can be difficult to tell the two species apart. Hope it comes back so you can
get your picture...a very nice looking bird.
There is a good article on the Ontario Field
Ornithologists website at: http://ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.shrikeid
Loggerhead Strike
Posted on January 5, 2017 at 04:33:05 PM by Karen100
JAN 5/16
Loggerhead Strike just killed a chickadee
outside my window in Barkway, Gravenhurst! I had a long time to observe the
bird because I heard a loud bang as the bird hit my window. At first I thougt
it was hurt because it was in the snow and lots of feathers were flying about.Ilooked
it up right away on the Internet. I hope I can take a picture if it comes back.
What a beautiful looking bird.
Redpolls on the
move
Posted on January 3, 2017 at 01:25:38 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there was a flock of about 40 Common
Redpolls feeding in the alders by the dip in the trail east of Henry Marsh.
They were slowly moving towards the marsh, following the creek. (Bracebridge)
Algonquin Park
Monday Jan 2
Posted on January 3, 2017 at 06:46:21 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Brian
Morin on ONTBIRDS (Jan. 3, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission
of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Here are a few comments about my sightings
today. The area in the vicinity
of the visitor centre had the greatest number
and variety of birds as noted
in previous reports.
Evening Grosbeaks dominated here but there were
flocks of goldfinches,
several Pine Grosbeaks getting grit on the
driveway, a flock of about 50
Siskins possibly mixed with redpolls that did
not land and a few Bohemian
Waxwings near the visitor centre. Along Hwy 60
I had a flock of about 45
Siskins getting grit near East Beach Picnic
area. There were three redpolls
in the flock, one of which was a Southern Hoary
that showed a clean white
rump very well.
Gray Jays were present along Arrowhon Rd, at
Spruce Bog parking lot and
Opeongo Lake Rd.
I did not locate either Spruce Grouse or Boreal
Chickadees and I didn't
meet anyone else who had either.
I was surprised to find Evening Grosbeak flocks
in other locations such as
Opeongo Lake Rd and Arrowhon. I also had small
flocks of White-winged
Crossbills along Arrowhon, all atop spruces and
8 Reds flying over Hwy #60.
Anyone wanting to drive up Arrowhon Rd should
note that the road is not
plowed but vehicles have been making the trip
up. Don't try it if you do
not have snow tires and are uncomfortable
driving on snowcovered back
roads. You may need to take some of the hills
in low gear. All wheel drive
is an asset but not essential. Between km 3 and
4 the road is reduced to a
single track in deep snow. If you encounter a
vehcile coming from the
opposite direction between these areas someone
will need to back up. It is
not safe to move to the side without risking
getting stuck. I do not know
how the coming weather system will affect
driving conditions here.
Brian Morin
Re(1): Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Posted on January 5, 2017 at 11:20:17 AM by Barbara Taylor
The male Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to
visit our feeders...and our shed this morning. The male Cardinal and male
Pileated Woodpecker are also hanging around. (Bracebridge) photo1
photo2
Red-bellied
Woodpecker and Pileateds
Posted on January 2, 2017 at 04:40:15 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This afternoon the Red-bellied Woodpecker spent
nearly half an hour preening and sunning high up in our birch tree. Later two
Pileated Woodpeckers showed up at the same time...male and female. The male
doesn't seem to like the raw beef suet and was content to peck away at the
processed variety, while the female has just the opposite preference.
(Bracebridge)
Red-bellied Woodpecker male: photo
Pileated Woodpeckers - male top left (see his red moustache), female bottom right: photo
Parks Canada free
pass
Posted on January 2, 2017 at 12:59:42 PM by DBurton
Just passing this along. Regards, Dan.
To celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary, Parks
Canada is offering its 2017 Discovery Pass free of charge. It would normally cost
around $140 per family.
Some practical details:
- You can have the pass shipped to your address
for free, or pick one up at a park entrance
- It covers unlimited entry to National Parks, Historic
Sites and Marine Conservation areas operated by Parks Canada
-Extras that carry a separate fee, such as
camping, tours or parking, are not included
-The pass is valid from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2017
43rd Algonquin Park
Christmas Bird Count: Friday, 30 December
Posted on January 1, 2017 at 05:08:55 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Jan. 1, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
The day was mostly cloudy, with occasional
light flurries. A wind out of the
northwest with gusts from 20 to 35 kph probably
inhibited observer ability
to hear birds such as woodpeckers, creepers and
kinglets. Temperatures
ranged from minus 8 degrees C in the pre-dawn
to minus 11 degrees in late
afternoon, making it more comfortable than many
previous counts. A maximum
of about 30 cm of snow on the ground made the
use of snowshoes and skis
helpful.
Total Observers: 76
Total Species: 25 (average is 27)
Total Individuals: 2,743 (average is 4,576)
Birds per Party Hour: 14 (average is 25)
New Species for the Count: none
Count Week Species: Snow Bunting (1 in Visitor
Centre parking lot on
December 27), and Red-winged Blackbird
(immature male at Visitor Centre
feeder on December 28).
Notable Miss: Barred Owl (not found only once
before in 42 previous counts).
Winter Finches:
-Pine Grosbeak: 39
Some were seen feeding on the abundant samaras
of Green Ash (introduced) at
Mew Lake Campground entrance and in Whitefish
Group Campground.
-Red Crossbill: 214
They were noted getting seeds from Black Spruce
and Eastern Hemlock cones.
At least two call types were thought to be
present on the count.
-White-winged Crossbill: 466
-Common Redpoll: 59
-Pine Siskin: 6
-American Goldfinch: 73
-Evening Grosbeak: 284
About 175 were at the Visitor Centre feeders.
Complete count results are posted at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/christmas_bird_count_results_2016.php
Thanks to all the participants and those who
helped organize and undertake
the count this year.
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park CBC Compiler
Dwight, ON
Re(1): Huge flock
of Bohemians
Posted on January 3, 2017 at 04:14:04 PM by janice
house
there were 100 + at the Goodyear house
yesterday
Re(1): Huge flock
of Bohemians
Posted on January 2, 2017 at 02:21:30 PM by Barbara
Taylor
There was a flock of about 120 Bohemians near
Moreland Crt. around 12:30 p.m. today. Some of the ornamental crabapple trees
in the area don't have much fruit left, but others looked untouched...perhaps a
bitter variety the birds don't care for unless desperate.
Re(1): Huge flock
of Bohemians -- photo
Posted on January 2, 2017 at 12:14:55 PM by Doug Smith
Went looking late this morning and found a
flock of approx 50+ in the pines at 85 Meadow Hgts. There is also a robin in
the crabapple tree at the same location. photo
Huge flock of
Bohemians
Posted on January 1, 2017 at 02:47:47 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Around 2:10 p.m. there was a very large flock
of Bohemian Waxwings sitting in a tall tree along Meadow Heights Dr. between Brian
Rd. and Moreland Crt. There had to be at least 200 birds. (Bracebridge)
Re(1): Goldfinches
Posted on January 1, 2017 at 11:13:29 PM by ksmith
I had about the same number of goldfinches
visit my feeders for the past 3 days. Hood Road, Port Sydney
Goldfinches
Posted on January 1, 2017 at 01:17:13 PM by Barbara Taylor
A flock of about thirty American Goldfinches has
showed up at our feeder. Until now the most we've had all winter was just four.
(Bracebridge)
Happy New Year!
Posted on January 1, 2017 at 09:50:38 AM by Barbara Taylor
Thanks to everyone for all your reports.
Happy New Year!
A nice start to 2017 here in our yard this
morning...a male Northern Cardinal and the male Red-bellied Woodpecker both
dropped by for a visit. (Bracebridge)
