Muskoka Bird Board - Archived Reports from October - December 2017
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Re(1): Sharpie
Posted on January 7, 2018 at 02:25:00 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Back again this afternoon...
Sharpie
Posted on December 30, 2017 at 02:40:06 PM by Barbara Taylor
A Sharp-shinned Hawk just checked out our
feeders, but came up empty. It missed some Juncos and Goldfinches. The resident
pair of Cardinals had already left the yard. (Bracebridge)
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 28 December
Posted on December 29, 2017 at 02:29:52 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Dec. 29, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
This week’s extremely cold temperatures seemed
at odds with evidence of breeding activity by White-winged Crossbills in the
Park. A male was observed feeding a female (“courtship feeding”) near the Old
Airfield, and three or four males were singing along Spruce Bog Boardwalk, on
December 24. Craig Benkman (in The Birds of North America, 1992) reported that
this crossbill breeds during three main periods of the year which coincide with
maximum availability of conifer seeds. In Algonquin, records indicate breeding
in summer and fall (July to November), winter (January to March), and spring
(March to June).
Snow depth in the Park now reaches about 25 cm
in the open and less under conifers, making it feasible to travel in most areas
without snowshoes. As usual, snow on the walking trails has been flattened down
with use.
-Wild Turkey: several are coming daily to feed
below the Visitor Centre parking lot feeder.
-Ruffed Grouse: sightings continued at the
Visitor Centre driveway and feeders.
-Spruce Grouse: try Spruce Bog Boardwalk near
the trail register box and Opeongo Road north of the winter gate.
-Black-backed Woodpecker: one was seen along
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on December 24.
-Gray Jay: regular along Opeongo Road from the
winter gate northward, and on Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
-Boreal Chickadee: after several weeks with no
reports, one was along Opeongo Road (December 24) and two were at Wolf Howl Pond
(December 25).
Winter finches reported this week were: Purple
Finch (regular at Visitor Centre feeders), Red Crossbill (small flocks on the
highway; and often seen off Visitor Centre deck), White-winged Crossbill (small
flocks), Common Redpoll (three along Opeongo Road on December 24 were the first
reported since late October), Pine Siskin (fairly numerous), American Goldfinch
(fairly numerous) and Evening Grosbeak (about 20 at the Visitor Centre feeders
daily).
Addendum:
Common Redpoll: A flock of about 40 was
observed on Opeongo Road yesterday, which may indicate that this species is
starting to move southward in greater numbers.
Ron Tozer, Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired),
Dwight, ON.
kettle of bald
eagles
Posted on December 28, 2017 at 01:42:17 PM by John Challis
Three bald eagles soaring over our house just
now: one with full white head but blotchy wings so must be second year? Green
River Dr.
Re(2): Gravenhurst
Bald Eagles
Posted on December 30, 2017 at 02:50:28 PM by Barbara
Taylor
There was an adult Bald Eagle perched in a tree
near the Rosewarne Dr. gate at the Bracebridge Landfill around noon today. When
I got out of the car it flew off across the pit, sending up a swirling black cloud
of Ravens. I counted 63 of them plus two Crows. No Gulls. (gate locked...no
public access)
Re(1): Gravenhurst
Bald Eagles
Posted on December 29, 2017 at 11:26:23 AM by J. Gardner
Bald Eagles... dump bears of the avian world.
J. Gardner
Gravenhurst Bald
Eagles
Posted on December 28, 2017 at 08:02:45 AM by janice
house
Yesterday around 11am an adult bald eagle flew
over the house in the direction of the Gravenhurst landfill, a little while
later another eagle flew in the same direction. Breakfast at the Bracebridge
landfill....lunch in Gravenhurst? (Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst)
Re(1): Action at
the suet feeder
Posted on December 28, 2017 at 07:38:53 AM by
missyinmuskoka
I am finding the same thing with the raw suet
vs the suet cakes. I don't know if all Sobey's up north sell store made suet
balls or not, but the Sobey's in Gravenhurst makes their own raw ground up suet
that they form into balls and put into easy to hang netting. It is cheaper than
store bought, and the birds seem to favour it.
I had my first Pileated come to the raw suet
just last week :)
Action at the suet
feeder
Posted on December 27, 2017 at 02:49:17 PM by Barbara Taylor
The extremely cold temperatures have brought a
steady stream of Woodpeckers to our yard as they take turns at the suet feeders
- Downy, Hairy, and Pileated (no Red-bellied this winter). The raw beef fat
seems to be visited much more than the processed suet cake. Other birds
enjoying the suet are the usual Blue Jays, White-breasted and Red-breasted
Nuthatches, Black-capped Chickadees, and sometimes a Brown Creeper. Today there
were even some Dark-eyed Juncos eating bits of beef fat that were falling to
the ground as a Woodpecker hammered away above them. (Bracebridge)
Christmas in Bent
River
Posted on December 25, 2017 at 01:02:13 PM by janice
house
Male red-bellied woodpecker coming to the
feeder since yesterday, coopers hawk and 6 turkeys. Best Christmas breakfast
ever!
Re(1): Trumpeter
swans, Washago
Posted on December 24, 2017 at 02:20:11 PM by John Challis
..sorry about the image size. Uploaded without
checking. Here's one of Gayle feeding a few. photo
Trumpeter swans,
Washago
Posted on December 24, 2017 at 02:19:02 PM by John Challis
At Centennial Park waterfront in Washago, the
swans have been congregating in large numbers, thanks to alternate sites being
frozen over. Yesterday I counted roughly 117, many with wing tags, including a
pair of juvenile siblings tagged T32 and T33. New behaviour: they are climbing
out of the water and practically stealing corn from our hands.
I think there was also a pair of black ducks
among the mallards; much darker bodies and without the visible blue and white
mark on the wing secondaries. photo
Re(1): Birds
Posted on December 24, 2017 at 01:57:38 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around noon today there were four Bald Eagles
at the Bracebridge Landfill, all visible from the Rosewarne Dr. entrance by the
locked gate. Two of the eagles were adults and were sitting atop the sand pile
in the pit.
Birds
Posted on December 23, 2017 at 05:05:37 PM by janice
house
5 Bald Eagles (1 adult for sure)at the
Gravenhurst transfer station (dump), Oregon Junco in our yard, yesterday and
today, got a few photos, Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
red-bellied
woodpecker
Posted on December 23, 2017 at 09:57:47 AM by John Challis
There is a female red-bellied woodpecker giving
our sunflower seed a workout this morning. Possibly a male here too -- they're
skittish so not sure. And a hairy woodpecker is at the suet feeder too.
Sundridge Birds
Posted on December 22, 2017 at 06:33:32 PM by DBurton
Today Steve O'Donnell and I birded around Lake
Bernard and saw the following of interest: Barred Owl, White-winged Crossbills,
Gray Jays, Black Duck, Pine Siskins. Cone crops of spruce are abundant in the
area.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 21 December
Posted on December 22, 2017 at 01:07:04 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Dec. 21, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists
Two American Martens (often together) have been
coming regularly to the Visitor Centre feeders to eat black sunflower seeds on
the ground. They can be seen at close range from the viewing deck. Average snow
depth in the Park is now about 19 cm.
-Wild Turkey: eleven (a high number for winter
here) fed below the Visitor Centre parking lot feeder on December 19.
-Ruffed Grouse: sightings continued at the
Visitor Centre driveway and feeders.
-Spruce Grouse: try Spruce Bog Boardwalk near
the trail register box.
-Black-backed Woodpecker: a female was
photographed along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on December 18.
-Gray Jay: regular along Opeongo Road from the
locked gate northward, and on Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
-Boreal Chickadee: no reports again this week.
Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. They are often in the body of thick
spruce trees, hard to see and infrequently vocal.
Winter finch numbers remain relatively low, but
most observers are seeing a good variety. Species reported this week were: Pine
Grosbeak (a single bird on Opeongo Road, December 17 and 18), Purple Finch
(regular at Visitor Centre feeders), Red Crossbill (often seen off Visitor
Centre deck), White-winged Crossbill, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch and
Evening Grosbeak (highest count: 32 at the Visitor Centre on December 20).
Ron Tozer, Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired),
Dwight, ON.
Re(2): Pics
Posted on December 21, 2017 at 08:42:08 PM by Barbara
Taylor
John sent this photo of the Carolina Wren and
said the bird had just showed up this afternoon. photo
Re(1): Pics
Posted on December 21, 2017 at 04:20:51 PM by Al Sinclair
I like the 1st pic. Carolina Wren! Rare in
Muskoka at any time. How long has it been there?
Pics
Posted on December 21, 2017 at 02:12:39 PM by johndouglas
Things we have not seen on or under the feeder
this time of the year on Three Mile Lake.
purple finch
Posted on December 20, 2017 at 10:47:16 PM by John Challis
A male purple finch showed up at our feeder today.
First male, although we've had a female at the feeder regularly for several
weeks. Green River Drive, Washago.
ruffed grouse
Posted on December 20, 2017 at 09:54:01 AM by John Challis
A ruffed grouse has been making sporadic
appearances in the top of a poplar tree in our back yard (Green River Drive,
Washago), and was back this morning. It looks to be nibbling on the buds in the
newest growth. I guess the birches around here haven't been as appetizing.
Re(1):
Gravenhurst-Bracebridge (ONGB) Christmas Bird Count Results
Posted on December 19, 2017 at 07:10:25 PM by Barbara Taylor
Interesting that Red Crossbills were found at
two locations. I just finished reading an article "Coming for Winter
2017–18: A Crush of Crossbills" which describes this ongoing irruption.
Ron Pittaway had predicted "there will be a good showing of Red Crossbills
in Ontario and the Northeast this winter" in his annual Winter Finch
Forecast.
Here's a link to the article:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/a-crush-of-crossbills
Gravenhurst-Bracebridge
(ONGB) Christmas Bird Count Results
Posted on December 19, 2017 at 05:16:38 PM by Al Sinclair
38th Gravenhurst-Bracebridge (ONGB) Christmas
Bird Count Results
Held Sunday December 17, 2017
Observers 17
Temperature -23 to -11C Wind calm
Only fast moving water open
AM sunny PM cloudy
Snow depth 25 to 40 cm
Total species 34 (24 in Gravenhurst 31 in
Bracebridge)(previous 10 years average 36.6)
Total individuals 1848 (924 in Gravenhurst 924
in Bracebridge)(previous 10 years average 2409) Note: The numbers seen in each
town were double checked because of the strange coincidence.
New species found: None
New count highs: Bald Eagle 24 (20 at
Gravenhurst composting site on Beiers Rd)
New Count Lows: House Sparrow 0 (Now very hard
to find here especially on cold days)
Unusual species: Great Black-backed Gull
(Bracebridge Landfill), American Robin (Golden Beach Rd), Red Crossbill (Santas
Village Rd and Doe Lk Rd), White-winged Crossbill (Doe Lk Rd)
SPECIES
MALLARD 11
COMMON MERGANSER 3
RED-TAILED HAWK 1
BALD EAGLE 24
RUFFED GROUSE 3
WILD TURKEY 35
RING-BILLED GULL 1
HERRING GULL 26
GLAUCOUS GULL 2
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL 1
ROCK PIGEON 160
MOURNING DOVE 43
DOWNY WOODPECKER 30
HAIRY WOODPECKER 37
PILEATED WOODPECKER 5
BLUE JAY 203
AMERICAN CROW 50
COMMON RAVEN 89
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE 393
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH 43
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH 36
BROWN CREEPER 1
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET 3
AMERICAN ROBIN 1
EUROPEAN STARLING 174
NORTHERN CARDINAL 16
AMERICAN TREE SPARROW 15
DARK-EYED JUNCO 144
SNOW BUNTING 12
PURPLE FINCH 5
RED CROSSBILL 4
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL 3
PINE SISKIN 5
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH 269
Re(1): Ruffed
Grouse, Bala
Posted on December 18, 2017 at 10:27:18 AM by J. Gardner
Aha! Christmas supper. J. Gardner Kidding!
Ruffed Grouse, Bala
Posted on December 18, 2017 at 09:21:23 AM by Eleanor Kee Wellman
For at least 3 weeks I have had a Ruffed Grouse
arrive in the early morning and late afternoon to feed on the buds of the pin
cherry trees beside my house. One arrived about 15 minutes ago and then a
second one came in as well! Wish I knew what gender they are!
Eagles and Gulls at
Bracebridge Landfill
Posted on December 17, 2017 at 02:54:23 PM by Barbara taylor
Around 1:30 p.m. today at the Bracebridge
Landfill there were two adult Bald Eagles, two Glaucous Gulls, a Great
Black-backed Gull, and several Herring Gulls, Ravens, Crows, and Starlings. The
garbage piles in the pit have built up to the ground level now, so the birds
could be seen from the Rosewarne Dr. entrance by the locked gate. A scope is
recommended for a better view, as public access inside the gate is prohibited.
White-throated
sparrow
Posted on December 16, 2017 at 05:09:22 PM by
missyinmuskoka
I was surprised to see this guy at my feeder
today. photo
24th Huntsville
Christmas Bird Count: 14 December
Posted on December 15, 2017 at 08:09:31 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Dec. 15, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
It was a magnificent sunny day with “winter
wonderland” scenery! However, count results were negatively affected to an unknown
extent by cold temperatures (minus 26 degrees C. at dawn to minus 15 degrees at
dusk), lower than usual numbers of birds utilizing feeders, and fog rising all
day off the remaining open water areas of the bigger lakes. Fortunately, the
river was open and mostly fog-free. Preliminary results follow:
Total Observers: 24. Total Species: 38 (average
is 39). Total Individuals: 2,530 (average is 3,032).
New Species for the Count: Snowy Owl (1).
Cumulative Species Total: 92
Unusual Species: Sharp-shinned Hawk (1),
Red-tailed Hawk (1), Bohemian Waxwing (8), Cedar Waxwing (1 with the
Bohemians).
Finches (mostly low numbers): Pine Grosbeak
(8), Purple Finch (36), Red Crossbill (9), Pine Siskin (41), American Goldfinch
(352).
Thanks to all the participants.
Ron Tozer, Huntsville CBC Compiler, Dwight, ON
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 14 December
Posted on December 15, 2017 at 03:05:53 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Dec. 15, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
All Highway 60 lakes are now ice-covered, with
the last two freezing over on December 11 (Lake of Two Rivers) and 13 (Smoke
Lake). Average snow depth is about 15 cm. The suet feeders are now in place at
the Visitor Centre and on Spruce Bog Boardwalk at the trail register box.
-Northern Shrike: one at the Visitor Centre,
December 9.
-Bohemian Waxwing: about five at locked gate on
Opeongo Road, December 7.
-Ruffed Grouse: sightings continued at the
Visitor Centre driveway and feeders.
-Spruce Grouse: seen on Spruce Bog Boardwalk
and Opeongo Road, December 7 and 10, respectively.
-Black-backed Woodpecker: one was along Opeongo
Road, December 10.
-Gray Jay: regular along Opeongo Road from the
locked gate northward, and on Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
-Boreal Chickadee: no reports again this week.
Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road.
Winter finches reported this week were: Purple
Finch, Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch
and Evening Grosbeak (highest count: 32 at the Visitor Centre on December 12).
Finch diversity is good but numbers reported are still relatively low.
Good birding.
Ron Tozer, Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired),
Dwight, ON.
Re(2):
Golden-crowned Kinglets
Posted on December 15, 2017 at 09:59:05 PM by Al Sinclair
Yes Henry Marsh is in the circle.
Re(1):
Golden-crowned Kinglets
Posted on December 15, 2017 at 02:57:18 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were two Golden-crowned
Kinglets and a Brown Creeper along "the chickadee trail" east of
Henry Marsh. Maybe they will stick around for the Christmas Bird Count...is
that area in the count circle?
The annual
Gravenhurst-Bracebridge Christmas Bird Count will be held this Sunday
Posted on December 14, 2017 at 11:00:20 AM by Al Sinclair
The annual Gravenhurst-Bracebridge Christmas
Bird Count will be held this Sunday Dec 17. The count is sponsored by the
Muskoka Field Naturalists but non-members are welcome to attend. We always can
use additional counters regardless of experience. The weather should be warmer
on the weekend and we expect to find 30 to 40 species. Below are more details
taken from our newsletter.
From the Wakerobin:
SUNDAY, DEC. 17: Christmas Bird Count and
Pot-Luck Supper – Plan to join us! Counters will meet at 9 a.m. at
the rear of the post office in Bracebridge or
McDonalds' in Gravenhurst. Bring binoculars, warm clothes, field
guides, lunch (or plan a Tim Horton's stop).
Assemble at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Bracebridge
between 4 and 5 p.m., for some warm-up
refreshments followed by our annual pot-luck. Top last year's numbers
by joining a team and bone-up on your birding
skills! If you have a question contact Al at 645-2848 or email
sinclair@muskoka.com
Re(1): Snow and the
Birds
Posted on December 16, 2017 at 08:39:44 AM by
BruceColes
Very nice pictures, that's my goal this year to
get some pictures like that.
Re(2): Snow and the
Birds
Posted on December 12, 2017 at 05:52:53 PM by
michaelhatton
Thank you. For my photos it is mostly luck.
Really.
Re(1): Snow and the
Birds
Posted on December 12, 2017 at 01:19:57 PM by jhansen
Beautiful photos!
Snow and the Birds
Posted on December 12, 2017 at 12:23:50 PM by michaelhatton
Snowy days seem to bring the birds. photo
Re(1): red-tailed
hawk, purple finch and others.
Posted on December 14, 2017 at 11:09:55 AM by Barbara Taylor
This morning four Purple Finches and seven
Dark-eyed Juncos showed up at our feeders, along with the regular visitors.
(Bracebridge)
red-tailed hawk,
purple finch and others.
Posted on December 10, 2017 at 11:42:12 AM by John Challis
I did a tour of the backroads east of Washago
yesterday, in hopes of finding an owl or two. One BLue Jay to show for the
first hour. But on the Cronk Sideroad, close to 30 Mourning Doves in a group of
trees. And on the Fairgrounds Road, an adult Red-tailed Hawk roosted on a tree
in a farm field.
At our feeder we've had a female Purple Finch
on a regular basis for a week or so and Goldfinches have begun showing up. And
today Dark-eyed Juncos appeared. Chickadees of course have been regulars.
Gravenhurst Birds
Posted on December 10, 2017 at 08:10:00 AM by janice
house
We had 20+ blue jays at the feeders yesterday
along with my regulars, Doe Lake Rd. At Muskoka Beach ( Taboo ) yesterday there
were 4 common goldeneye and 6 bufflehead
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 7 December
Posted on December 8, 2017 at 01:22:15 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Dec. 7, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of the
Ontario Field Ornithologists.
About 30 cm of new snow arrived over the last
two days. Rock Lake Road and Arowhon Road are not maintained by park staff
during winter and will be gated at Highway 60 until spring.
-Ruffed Grouse: one or two are regular along
the Visitor Centre driveway and getting seed below the feeders.
-Spruce Grouse: look on Spruce Bog Boardwalk,
particularly near the visitor register box.
-American Three-toed Woodpecker: one was seen
and heard along Opeongo Road just north of the Costello Creek Picnic Ground on
December 3. This species occurs here very irregularly in winter when it irrupts
southward from the breeding range.
-Black-backed Woodpecker: try Opeongo Road
-Gray Jay: regular along Opeongo Road from the
locked gate northward, and on Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
-Boreal Chickadee: try Opeongo Road.
-Pine Grosbeak: still very scarce. Observed
this week on Mizzy Lake Trail and Opeongo Road.
-Purple Finch: regular in low numbers,
including at the Visitor Centre.
-Red Crossbill: numbers remain low. Look for
them on the highway and at the Visitor Centre.
-White-winged Crossbill: regular but in low numbers.
-Pine Siskin: seen regularly, including some
larger flocks.
-American Goldfinch: also seen regularly,
including some large flocks.
-Evening Grosbeak: up to 25 are being seen at
the Visitor Centre feeders, especially in the morning.
-American Marten: at least one has been
irregularly coming to eat sunflower seeds below the Visitor Centre feeders.
Good birding.
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
MFN Dec 7 Meeting -
cancelled
Posted on December 7, 2017 at 11:36:09 AM by janice
house
Executive have decided to cancel the meeting
tonight at the Grace and Speed Museum in Gravenhurst, weather issues and our
speaker can't make the meeting.
Kingfisher
Posted on December 3, 2017 at 11:45:19 AM by Leslie
A kingfisher was flying low over the water at
Bracebridge Bay this morning.
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: 30 November
Posted on November 30, 2017 at 02:49:01 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Nov. 30, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
There was much melting of the shallow snow
cover this week. Large lakes are open. Winter listers should find a good
variety of winter finches in Algonquin now. The winter gate on Opeongo Road is
closed.
Snowy Owl: one was photographed flying
southwest near dusk, high over the Old Airfield, on November 25.
Northern Shrike: single birds were on Opeongo
Road (November 25) and at the Old Airfield (November 28 and 29).
Recent locations for observations of the boreal
specialties are as follows:
-Spruce Grouse: Spruce Bog Boardwalk
-Black-backed Woodpecker: Old Airfield border
-Gray Jay: Opeongo Road, Spruce Bog Boardwalk,
Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed section
-Boreal Chickadee: No reports. This species is
inconspicuous now, with few vocalizations.
Winter finch sightings are increasing now due
to sanding/salting operations on Highway 60 and the Visitor Centre feeders.
-Pine Grosbeak: Scarce. Two were at the Old
Airfield on November 25.
-Purple Finch: Regular in low numbers,
including at the Visitor Centre.
-Red Crossbill: Reported regularly. Look for
birds on the highway and at the Visitor Centre.
-White-winged Crossbill: Regular but in low
numbers.
-Common Redpoll: No reports since late October.
-Pine Siskin: Seen regularly, including some
large flocks on the highway.
-American Goldfinch: Also seen regularly,
including some large flocks.
-Evening Grosbeak: Up to 20 have been at the
Visitor Centre feeders, but irregularly.
Good birding.
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON
Purple finch
Posted on November 29, 2017 at 12:09:30 PM by John Challis
As I was leaving for work this morning a purple
finch broke into song in the back yard. I think that's what it was, anyway; I
didn't get a visual. Nice clear song though.
Glaucous Gulls
Posted on November 28, 2017 at 03:44:28 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there
were only about 50 gulls standing on some ice in cell 2, but two of them were
Glaucous Gulls. There were three Great Black-backed Gulls on the ice in cell 1
Saturday morning. We've never had gulls hanging out at the Ponds like
this...must be coming in from the new Bracebridge Landfill which started up
late last year (no public access though).
My little camera kept getting confused by all
the glare off the dark ice today. Here's the best I could get of one of the
Glaucous Gulls (at center) before both decided to leave and headed east. photo
Golden Eagle
Posted on November 24, 2017 at 02:50:15 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there
were about 300 gulls on the ice in cell 1. They suddenly flew up all together
in a big cloud of gulls, swirling around, going higher and higher, and then
disappeared from sight to the east. The reason for this mass exodus was a
Golden Eagle soaring in from the northwest. The gulls saw it coming long before
we did.
(no sign of the deer carcass north of cell
4...yesterday there was very little left and it had been dragged away to the
edge of the woods)
Pine Siskins (and
deer carcass)
Posted on November 21, 2017 at 01:29:37 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning along the "chickadee
trail" east of Henry Marsh there were a few Pine Siskins, Purple Finches,
American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and the usual
Chickadees and Nuthatches. (the birdfeeders aren't up yet, but the birds know
the spots)
At the north side of cell 4 at the Bracebridge
Ponds there was a fresh deer carcass which hadn't been there yesterday
afternoon. Although we didn't see any bear tracks in the area, the carcass
still had a fair bit of meat on it, so best to be cautious if walking the trail
there. It looked like two deer had fallen through the thin ice in cell 4, one
well out from shore. Perhaps it got tired in a struggle to get back to shore,
and then was attacked by coyotes/wolves. Several Crows were helping themselves
to the venison, but no other scavengers were seen nearby. (all cells were
frozen over again yesterday, although it is very thin ice)
Doe Lake
Gravenhurst
Posted on November 18, 2017 at 03:51:41 PM by janice
house
Just got back from checking out the lake, ring
necked ducks, bufflehead, hooded, common and red-breasted mergansers
Iceland Gull,
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Posted on November 18, 2017 at 01:34:37 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning I went over to the Bracebridge
Ponds hoping to find some waterfowl forced down by the weather, now that the
cells are mostly open water again. But instead of interesting ducks, I found
about 220 gulls on some remaining ice in cell 3. There was one Lesser
Black-backed Gull, a few Ring-billed Gulls, and the rest appeared to be all
Herring Gulls of various ages. A few gulls came flying in from the east, and
one of them was an Iceland Gull (kumlieni). The bird lay on the ice for a while,
then stood and preened a bit, and flew off to the southwest. Unfortunately I
couldn't get a good photo as it was raining lightly the whole time. The only
ducks seen were 24 Mallards and 15 Buffleheads. I checked South Monck Dr. on
the way home, but no gulls...only found 115 Canada Geese at the golf driving
range. photo
Re(1): Late Frog
Posted on November 29, 2017 at 11:25:54 AM by John Challis
As I came home last night I nearly ran over a
frog sluggishly hopping across the road. Too dark, but I'm assuming it was a
green frog; we have plenty of them in the swamp by our house. (Washago)
Late Frog
Posted on November 16, 2017 at 08:08:12 PM by Barbara Taylor
Today I was surprised to find this small Green
Frog still out and about. It was almost in a state of torpor, as it barely
moved when I nudged it. (Bracebridge)
Re(2): Great
Black-backed Gulls
Posted on November 15, 2017 at 02:38:15 PM by Barbara
Taylor
A Great Black-backed Gull was there again today
around noon, but flew off to the northeast...to the dump? There were 146 gulls
on the ice in cell 2, with several coming and going in all directions.
Re(1): Great
Black-backed Gulls
Posted on November 14, 2017 at 04:18:19 PM by
michaelhatton
One Great Black-backed Gull still present on the
ice in cell 2 at 1:55 p.m. However, shortly after that it departed solo to the
southwest. The birds remaining on the ice in cell 2 at that time were primarily
Herring Gulls representing a variety of ages.
Great Black-backed
Gulls
Posted on November 14, 2017 at 02:48:45 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning there were two Great Black-backed
Gulls standing on the ice with Herring and Ring-billed Gulls in cell 2 at the
Bracebridge Ponds. Here are photos of one of them (at center), which was still
there at noon. Great Black-backed Gull (3rd winter): photo
photo2
Algonquin Park
Birding Report: early November summary
Posted on November 12, 2017 at 05:21:03 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer
on ONTBIRDS (Nov. 12, 2017) and is provided here with the kind permission of
the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
As of today, there is a heavy covering of snow on
the ground and a few shallow ponds and small lakes along the Highway 60
Corridor are ice-covered. However, it is still fall even if it felt like winter
on a couple of minus 15-degree mornings this week. There were fresh Bear tracks
in the snow on the Visitor Centre parking lot yesterday, for example.
Recent locations for observations of the boreal
specialties are as follows:
-Spruce Grouse: Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Mizzy
Lake Trail rail bed section
-Black-backed Woodpecker: Spruce Bog Boardwalk,
Opeongo Road, Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed section
-Gray Jay: Opeongo Road, Mizzy Lake Trail rail
bed section
-Boreal Chickadee: Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed
section
The abundant cones on most conifer species in
Algonquin appear to have been significantly affected by the sustained and
unprecedented period of hot days in the latter half of September. The cones
opened and limited inspection suggests that many (most?) of the seeds may have
been released. It remains to be seen how this will affect finch numbers this
winter.
There have been recent observations of nearly
all of the expected finches, but in low numbers.
-Pine Grosbeak: sightings of single birds on
November 4 and 11.
-Purple Finch: regular in low numbers.
-Red Crossbill: regular in low numbers; four
seen almost daily this week at the Visitor Centre. Recordings of larger-billed
Type 1 and smaller-billed Type 3 confirmed by Matt Young (Cornell) recently.
-White-winged Crossbill: low numbers present,
but reported less frequently than Red Crossbill.
-Common Redpoll: observations of one to four
birds on October 20 and 21 but no reports since.
-Pine Siskin: low numbers but likely the most
numerous finch currently; 40 at Visitor Centre on November 8.
-American Goldfinch: regular in low numbers; 17
at Visitor Centre on November 10.
-Evening Grosbeak: one to three at Visitor
Centre this week.
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
services, including 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
Gravenhurst
Waterfront
Posted on November 12, 2017 at 05:09:16 PM by DBurton
At Muskoka Beach: Trumpeter Swan, Canada Geese,
Buffleheads, Goldeneyes
At West Gravenhurst Beach: Long Tailed Duck,
pair of Hooded Mergansers, Buffleheads, Goldeneyes.
Henry Island boat launch- Buffleheads,
Red-breasted Merganser, Horned Grebe.
Late Pipits and
Glaucous Gull
Posted on November 12, 2017 at 01:16:49 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there
were three American Pipits feeding along the roadway east of cell 3. There was
a first winter Glaucous Gull and a few Herring Gulls, but they all flew off to
the south-west. A Red-tailed Hawk was being pestered by two noisy Crows and
kept flying to various perches until the Crows finally gave up and left. The
Hawk ended up in the same tree where we saw it yesterday, near the Lagoon Lane
gate. Seven Mallards were in the aeration pond which was the only open water as
all the cells were still frozen over. A Great Blue Heron flew past heading
south.
Donkey Shack
Posted on November 12, 2017 at 07:38:29 AM by FrancesGualtieri
I may have been the only person who didn't know,
but the Donkey Shack has moved back to the farm, on Doe Lake Rd. Black oil
sunflower seeds are $28.99 plus tax for a 50 lb. bag. Best price in town.
Frances Gualtieri
Vankoughnet
Re(1): Bracebridge
Ponds - Buffleheads and ice
Posted on November 11, 2017 at 01:01:33 PM by Barbara
Taylor
The Buffleheads were wise to be leaving
yesterday as this morning cell 4 was completely frozen over too. There were 91
Gulls huddled together on the ice in cell 2 - all appeared to be Herring Gulls,
with more gulls flying in from the north. A Red-tailed Hawk was perched in a
tree near the Lagoon Lane gate.
Bracebridge Ponds -
Buffleheads and ice
Posted on November 10, 2017 at 03:32:05 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This afternoon the three main cells were all
frozen over. Cell 4 was still open, with about 200 Buffleheads and a Scaup.
Several birds were leaving though, perhaps heading out to a larger body of
water. It looked like an animal had caught a Canada Goose at the west side of
cell 2 overnight, with feathers blowing in the wind. A lone Canada Goose was at
the Kerr Park baseball field...perhaps it lost its mate.
Oregon Junco
Posted on November 7, 2017 at 05:34:12 PM by janice
house
We had a male Oregon junco in the back yard
this morning, I will have to check tomorrow morning to see if he is still
around and has a mate. Also had 4 red-winged blackbirds and two female common
grackles. The one female only had a right eye, the other side of her head had a
huge feather covered floppy growth. When she bent over to flick the leaves it
would fall forward over her beak, then when she straightened up if flopped
back, I have never seen anything like this before. Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Long-tailed Duck
Posted on November 5, 2017 at 02:20:38 PM by Dalewenger
The Long-tailed Duck previously reported to
eBird is still present opposite 126 Roe Rd, Huntsville. Out Canal Road past
Deerhurst. With Approx 35 Common Goldeneye and several Buffleheads.
Re(2): Dunlin and a
Snipe
Posted on November 8, 2017 at 12:36:44 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning the Dunlin was still in the same
area at the north shore of cell 3 towards the west end, and a Wilson's Snipe
had joined it, only about three feet away. The Coot was still in cell 1. A
flock of 19 Snow Buntings flew past, but didn't appear to land anywhere.
Re(1): Dunlin -
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on November 7, 2017 at 04:35:15 PM by Barbara Taylor
Around noon today there was a Dunlin at the
north shore of cell 3 near the west end. I hadn't seen one yesterday, so this
may be a different bird. There were over 300 Buffleheads, about 65 Mallards,
two American Black Ducks as well as a hybrid Black Duck/Mallard, a male Northern
Pintail in cell 1, a male Green-winged Teal in cell 3, a Hooded Merganser in
cell 4, and the lingering American Coot in cell 1. Four Golden-crowned Kinglets
were near the entrance from Kerr Park. The "waste operation" by the
middle intersection is ongoing during the workweek, but fortunately all the big
trucks were gone for lunch, so it was relatively quiet over the noon
hour. photo
Dunlin -
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted on November 5, 2017 at 02:11:26 PM by Barbara Taylor
A Dunlin was at the south end of cell 2 at the
Bracebridge Ponds around 12:30 p.m. today. The Coot was still in cell 1. Two
Common Mergansers flew into cell 4 as it started to rain. A Lapland Longspur
was calling as it circled around, but I lost sight of it as it headed towards
cell 4, so couldn't tell if it landed.
Re(2): Gravenhurst
Waterfowl
Posted on November 11, 2017 at 05:07:58 PM by janice
house
Today there was a trumpeter swan, a loon, 150+
Canada geese, goldeneyes, buffleheads and two long-tailed ducks at Muskoka
Beach
Re(2): Gravenhurst
Waterfowl
Posted on November 5, 2017 at 01:49:52 PM by DBurton
I omitted Fire College Bay but it only had
Mallards, Goldeneyes and Buffleheads.
Re(1): Gravenhurst
Waterfowl
Posted on November 5, 2017 at 01:41:59 PM by DBurton
Update for this morning:
Muskoka Beach- WW Scoter, Ring-necked Duck,
Canada Geese, Long-tailed Ducks, Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, Loon.
Gravenhurst Wharf- Red-breasted Merganser,
Buffleheads.
West Gravenhurst Beach- Long-tailed Ducks,
Goldeneyes, Buffleheads.
Gull Lake- Common Mergansers, Buffleheads.
Gravenhurst
Waterfowl
Posted on November 4, 2017 at 05:08:21 PM by janice
house
I just got back from town, 30 plus common
goldeneye, 12 plus bufflehead, 1 white-winged scoter and 2 long-tailed ducks at
Muskoka Beach (Taboo). 1 red-breasted merganser at Lorne St Park, lots of herring
gulls on the docks at Gravenhurst Wharf
Re(1): snow geese?
Posted on November 5, 2017 at 09:33:05 AM by Alex Mills
Did you consider Brant? They are on the move at
this time of year and they have un-Canada like calls.
Re(1): snow geese?
Posted on November 4, 2017 at 03:00:41 PM by Barbara
Taylor
I was hoping to find a Snow Goose today at the
Muskoka Highlands golf driving range where they sometimes show up, but there
was only a flock of 53 Canada Geese. (South Monck Dr., Bracebridge)
snow geese?
Posted on November 4, 2017 at 12:48:47 PM by John Challis
A large flock -- about 60 -- of geese flew over
in 'v' formation just now (Washago). Not your traditional Canada goose noise
coming out of them—it was almost gull like—and the in-flight profile was
different. Checking the internet I'm guessing the calls were likely snow geese.
Re(2): Lapland
Longspurs
Posted on November 3, 2017 at 12:57:04 PM by Barbara Taylor
The two Lapland Longspurs were still there as
of 11 a.m. today - on the roadway east of cell 4 by the dumping ponds. The
White-rumped Sandpiper either circled back yesterday or there is a second bird
today, this time further out from the roadway on the shore west of cell 3. A
Rough-legged Hawk came in from the north, circled over the ridge, then just
hung in the sky for a minute, facing into the strong wind with hardly a flap,
as it surveyed the area for prey. (Lots of big trucks and waste operation at
middle intersection is ongoing, so best to enter via Kerr Park during the work
week...hope they shut down for the weekend.)
Re(1): Lapland
Longspurs
Posted on November 2, 2017 at 01:54:02 PM by Barbara
Taylor
There were two Lapland Longspurs in the same
general area today. As of 12:30 p.m. they were feeding on the roadway east of
cell 4 by the dumping ponds. They had been feeding with American Tree Sparrows
inside the dumping pond fence until flushed by a truck. There were also two
late Yellow-rumped Warblers at the edge of the woods nearby. A White-rumped
Sandpiper was at the west shore of cell 3, but flew off when a big truck drove
past. Still ongoing waste operation by middle intersection...best to come in
via Kerr Park.
Lapland Longspur photo
Lapland Longspurs
Posted on November 1, 2017 at 04:33:12 PM by DBurton
There are 3 Lapland Longspurs at Bracebridge
Lagoons near the entrance to the gravelled area by cell 4.
No Avocet, first
Snow Buntings
Posted on November 1, 2017 at 02:07:05 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Again NO Avocet this morning, so it has
definitely left after spending 11 days at the Bracebridge Ponds. First seen in
the afternoon Oct. 20 by Gillian Humphries, and photos posted on the Bird Board
when seen again Oct. 21. Bob Bowles reported the bird was still there in the
afternoon Oct. 30. No further sightings that I'm aware of.
There is still a major sludge/effluent
operation taking place at the middle intersection into cell 3, and heavy truck
traffic continues. Water levels are up in cells 1 and 2 and there is too much
commotion for the birds to come in to cell 3. A nice flock of 37 Dunlin flew in
from the north, but decided to keep heading south. There were still five
Gadwalls in cell 1 as well as the American Coot. A lone female Northern
Shoveler was in cell 2. The number of Green-winged Teal was way down, with a
count of 14. Three Snow Buntings were on the roadway north of cell 4. A
Red-tailed Hawk soared past west of cell 4.
------
WW Scoters
Posted on October 31, 2017 at 05:16:54 PM by DBurton
There are currently 2 WW Scoters in the Fire
College bay. Also several Red Breasted Mergansers in Gravenhurst Bay.
Horned Larks
Posted on October 31, 2017 at 03:40:06 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon we checked the fields along
South Monck Dr. and found 25 Horned Larks. They were in a recently plowed field
by #1134, quite close to the road. (Bracebridge) photo
Two birds - center and top right:photo
Two birds - far left and far right of center: photo
No Avocet, first
Snow Buntings
Posted on October 31, 2017 at 12:16:23 PM by Barbara
Taylor
No sign of the Avocet this morning at the
Bracebridge Ponds. I checked around all four cells and even the dumping ponds.
There was a sludge/effluent moving operation right by the middle intersection,
truck traffic was heavy, and water levels were up in both cells 2 and 1.
There were four Snow Buntings at the gravel
area north of cell 4, the first ones I've seen this fall. There were five
Gadwalls, about 180 Bufflehead, four Ring-necked Ducks, and a Pied-billed Grebe
in cell 4. The American Coot was still in cell 1. Twenty-eight Dunlin flew in
from the north as the rain changed to sleet, graupel, snow, whatever. They
briefly touched down at the north shore of cell 3, but then circled around for a
while, eventually flying out of sight to the southwest.
Re(1): Brant and
Avocet update
Posted on October 30, 2017 at 03:14:06 PM by
michaelhatton
Shortly before noon the Avocet was observed in
cells 1 and 2, though primarily in cell 2. The truck traffic, strong winds and
changing water levels appear to be encouraging it to fly every few minutes,
changing locations within those two cells. photo1
photo2
photo3
photo4
photo5
Brant and Avocet
update
Posted on October 30, 2017 at 11:13:24 AM by Barbara
Taylor
As of 10:30 a.m. this morning, Oct. 30, the
Avocet was still in cell 2, but no Brant. Note that conditions have changed
dramatically since yesterday. The south beach in cell 2 is shrinking rapidly as
they are refilling the cell and there is a strong northwest wind. Also, the
large landfill leachate truck was making multiple trips along the middle road,
flushing all the birds each time it passed. The Avocet kept returning to the
south end of cell 2, but many of the ducks headed off to the southwest. The
American Coot was still in cell 1 and a male Pintail was in cell 2.
(cell 2 south beach - this is what the large middle section of beach with the point looked like this morning) photo
Brant and Avocet -
turf wars
Posted on October 29, 2017 at 07:48:38 PM by Barbara
Taylor
I went back to the Bracebridge Ponds late this
afternoon to check on Brian Pfrimmer's (and Ed Poropat) report of an American
Golden-Plover that had briefly touched down, but then flown away. I had hoped it
might have returned, but no sign of it or anything else new.
But I did observe an interesting interaction
between the Brant and the Avocet. The Avocet was feeding at the east side of
cell 2, minding its own business. The Brant swam at a steady pace in a direct
line towards it, and when it got quite close, it opened and closed its bill. I
didn't hear any sound, but that action was enough to make the Avocet move away.
The Brant then proceeded to walk onto the shore and briefly nibbled on some
grass there. A short time later, the Brant made two swim-bys of the Avocet when
it was feeding in the south-east corner. But this time the Brant let it be.
Both birds were still there as of 4:15 p.m.
Here is a photo taken when they were still
sorting things out. photo
Brant...and the
Avocet
Posted on October 29, 2017 at 12:03:56 PM by Barbara
Taylor
As of 11:45 a.m. the Avocet was on the south
beach in cell 2 and a lone Brant was in cell 2. The Coot was still in cell 1 as
well as the long-staying three Northern Shovelers. The Wigeons seem to have
left.
(Oct. 29 update: Brian Pfrimmer reports the
Avocet, Brant, and Coot still all there as of 1:10 p.m. An American
Golden-Plover briefly touched down on the shore near the NW end of cell 1, but
flew off to the east out of sight.)
American Coot...and
Avocet
Posted on October 28, 2017 at 12:29:42 PM by Barbara
Taylor
At 11:45 a.m. today I took a quick look at the
Bracebridge Ponds from the viewing stand atop the hill at Kerr Park (it has a
rain-proof roof). There was an American Coot at the west side of cell 1 near
the north end. It came right out of the water and was feeding on the shore with
a few Green-winged Teal. Best views of the Coot were from the trail a bit east
of the viewing stand.
The American Avocet was still there, feeding
along the south beach in cell 2, but from that distance, a scope is needed for
a good look.
Brant in Sundridge
Posted on October 27, 2017 at 05:45:43 PM by DBurton
This morning we had 3 huge flocks numbering
100, 170, 400 Brant fly over Lake Bernard in Sundridge. I have never before
seen this many Brant. Also seen during the day: all 3 Scoters, Long-tailed
Ducks, Horned Grebe, Black-Backed Woodpecker, White-Winged Crossbill, Pine
Siskins, Bald Eagle.
Photos taken by Stephen O'Donnell: photo1
photo2
photo3
Woolly Bear
Posted on October 27, 2017 at 01:05:19 PM by Barbara Taylor
There are still a few Woolly Bear caterpillars crawling
around seeking out a good spot to spend the winter. (Bracebridge) photo
...but
can they really predict the winter weather?
https://www.almanac.com/content/woolly-bear-caterpillars-and-weather-prediction
Gulls chasing
tractor
Posted on October 26, 2017 at 07:46:08 PM by Barbara Taylor
Well, sort of.
The fields at the east side of South Monck Dr.
were being plowed today. Many Ring-billed and Herring Gulls were flying close
behind the tractor, taking turns picking up whatever edibles had been unearthed
by the plow. Fun to watch, but didn't see any "good" Gulls amongst
them. (Bracebridge)
Wren Species
Posted on October 26, 2017 at 01:34:18 PM by janice
house
My brother is working out at Skeleton Lake this
week at a neighbour's cottage. He said a wren was flitting near the dock eating
spiders etc. I like to think it is the Winter Wren that nested near/under Dad's
cottage this summer.
Re(2): Avocet still
there
Posted on October 28, 2017 at 09:44:08 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Just got a call from Janice House that the
Avocet is still there this morning (Oct. 28), as of 9:40 a.m.
Re(1): Avocet still
there
Posted on October 27, 2017 at 11:27:41 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Avocet was feeding along the south beach in
cell 2 as of 11 a.m. It had flown up to the north end and was swimming amongst
the ducks for a while, so scan that area if you don't see it on the south
beach. photo
Avocet still there
Posted on October 26, 2017 at 09:15:36 AM by Barbara
Taylor
The Avocet was at the south beach in cell 2 this
morning as of 8:55 a.m. when I left. The three Northern Shovelers were on the
beach preening for a while and then flew to the east side of cell 1 to feed.
Two Common Goldeneyes were in cell 4. A Great Blue Heron was near the middle
intersection when I arrived, almost hidden in the heavy fog at the time. A
single American Pipit called as it flew past when the fog began to clear.
(Bracebridge Ponds)
update: still there as of 3 p.m. photo
Bracebridge Lagoons
this morning
Posted on October 25, 2017 at 05:13:47 PM by astinnissen
I couldn't resist heading to the lagoons this
morning to try and find the star. I was successful and found other visitors as
a bonus.
Ruddy Ducks photo
Dunlin photo
Ring-necked Duck photo
And the star - American Avocet photo
Re(1): American
Avocet photo
Posted on October 25, 2017 at 02:18:02 PM by J. Gardner
Wonderful shot of a wonderful creature. J.
Gardner
American Avocet
photo
Posted on October 25, 2017 at 12:21:08 PM by
DonnaMillar
Picture is from the morning of Oct. 22 photo
Ruddy Ducks,
Pied-billed Grebes, Dunlin
Posted on October 25, 2017 at 11:37:37 AM by Barbara Taylor
Several new arrivals at the Bracebridge Ponds
this morning. All were still there as of 11 a.m., as well as the American
Avocet.
Ruddy Ducks in cell 2 (female and interesting
leucistic male)
Pied-billed Grebes - four in cell 1 and one in
cell 2
Dunlin in cell 1 at west side towards north end
The Avocet was swimming and feeding with the
ducks at the north end of cell 2 when I arrived. Lots of loud banging from
construction at the gas plant seemed to be making the bird a bit nervous and it
flew back to the south beach. It had moved back near the north-east corner of
cell 2 when I left at 11 a.m. Note that you would not be able to see the bird
from the viewing stand at Kerr Park if it is at the north end.
Dunlin: photo
Ruffed Grouse
Posted on October 24, 2017 at 08:24:26 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon traffic came to a complete stop
on Tamarack Trail as we waited for a Ruffed Grouse to walk across the road. It
was heading towards Killdeer Cres. (Bracebridge)
Re(2): American
Avocet - still there
Posted on October 25, 2017 at 11:39:13 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Avocet at north end of cell 2 as of 11 a.m.
today, Oct.25, swimming and feeding with the ducks.
Re(1): American
Avocet - still there
Posted on October 24, 2017 at 11:04:46 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Avocet still on the south beach in cell 2 as of
10:40 a.m. photo
finding lots to eat, going deep... photo2
American Avocet
Posted on October 24, 2017 at 10:43:29 AM by Leslie
Avocet still in Cell 2 this morning at 9.
Re(5): American
Avocet - still there
Posted on October 24, 2017 at 10:30:33 AM by Rick Stronks
Kelly and I saw it last evening around 6:15 pm.
Re(4): American
Avocet - still there
Posted on October 23, 2017 at 01:03:10 PM by Barbara Taylor
Avocet still on south beach in cell 2 as of
12:15 p.m. when I left. Also in cells 2 and 1 there were several American Wigeon,
Gadwalls, Northern Pintails (male flew off but still two females), Northern
Shovelers, Bufflehead, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Ducks,
Hooded Mergansers, couple of Wood Ducks, American Black Duck, and many
Mallards. Most of the Buffleheads were in cell 4. Two Savannah Sparrows were up
the middle roadway, a late Common Yellowthroat was in the cattails near the SE
corner of cell 4, and a lone Rusty Blackbird was by cell 4. photo1
photo2
Re(3): American
Avocet - still there
Posted on October 23, 2017 at 09:31:08 AM by Dalewenger
Bird was still there this morning when I left
at 8:55
Re(2): American
Avocet - still there
Posted on October 22, 2017 at 11:43:28 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Still there at 11:25 a.m. photo1
photo2
running away from a pushy gull: photo3
Re(1): American
Avocet - still there
Posted on October 22, 2017 at 08:56:33 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Thanks Gillian!!! My favourite bird!
I found the bird on the beach at the south end
of cell 2 at sunrise this morning. It was feeding in the shallow water,
preening, and sometimes seemed to be patrolling the beach, trying to keep
Green-winged Teal and Wood Ducks from coming ashore.
Update: Janice House called to report the bird
was still there at 8:45 a.m., and still there 9:20 a.m. with several observers.
photo at sunrise: photo
American Avocet -
photos
Posted on October 21, 2017 at 06:59:49 PM by
GillianHumphries
An American Avocet was at the Bracebridge Ponds
both yesterday afternoon and today (as of 5 pm). South end of cell 2. photo1
photo2
Huntsville Nature
Club MEETING
Posted on October 21, 2017 at 02:25:59 PM by CortneyL
Good day,
Just a reminder that the Nature Club is meeting
this Tuesday evening, October 24th! The topic is of particular interest in this
group as Ken Morrison will be speaking about his birding trip to cuba! St.
Andrews Presbyterian Church Hall on West Street at 7 p.m. Guests are always
welcome. A $5 donation is appreciated.
American Coot
Posted on October 19, 2017 at 11:56:41 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning we found this American Coot at the
west side of cell 1 where it was sheltered from the wind. A Pectoral Sandpiper
was on the algae mat at the west side of cell 1 towards the north end.
(Bracebridge Ponds) photo
Common Yellowthroat
Posted on October 18, 2017 at 03:27:18 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there was
a late Common Yellowthroat foraging in the cattails at the east side of cell 1.
Here's my complete list of 31 bird species
seen:
Canada Goose 2
Wood Duck 5
Northern Shoveler 3
Gadwall 2
American Wigeon 5
Mallard 45
American Black Duck 3
Northern Pintail 2
Green-winged Teal 50
Ring-necked Duck 7
Greater Scaup 2
Lesser Scaup 27
Bufflehead 92
Hooded Merganser 5
Great Blue Heron 1
Pectoral Sandpiper 1
Ring-billed Gull 10
Mourning Dove 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 1
Common Raven 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
American Pipit 2
Common Yellowthroat 1
American Tree Sparrow 5
White-crowned Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 8
Red-winged Blackbird 11
Common Grackle 1
Re(1): Gulls and
Geese
Posted on October 15, 2017 at 05:17:58 PM by janice
house
The gulls are still there, the immature great
black backed as well very very windy.
Gulls and Geese
Posted on October 15, 2017 at 01:39:09 PM by Barbara Taylor
Shortly after noon today there were over 200
Gulls on the Muskoka Highlands golf driving range along South Monck Dr. and
more were flying in (probably from the dump) as we left. They appeared to be
mainly Herring Gulls and some Ring-billed Gulls, but at least one immature
Great Black-backed Gull was with them. A scope is needed to see many of them.
Further up the road where the fields were plowed in the summer, there were at
least 150 Canada Geese to the east side of the road, stretching way back into
the field, with only their heads visible. (Bracebridge)
Re(2): Shorebirds
and Ducks
Posted on October 17, 2017 at 12:55:05 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning the Pectoral Sandpiper was still
in cell 2 on the south beach. The only new duck species was a male Gadwall in
cell 2. Several more Bufflehead have arrived, bringing the count to 71, all in
cell 4. Other waterfowl species seen were American Wigeon, Northern Pintail,
Northern Shoveler, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, American Black Duck, Wood
Duck, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, and Canada Goose. A Great
Blue Heron was hunting up the middle roadway. Two Turkey Vultures and a couple
American Pipits flew past heading south. This late Monarch butterfly decided to
rest awhile after fighting the strong south wind. monarch
photo
Re(1): Shorebirds
and Ducks
Posted on October 16, 2017 at 03:58:13 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This Pectoral Sandpiper was the only shorebird
seen today. It was on the south beach in cell 2 around 12:30 p.m. photo
photo2
Shorebirds and
Ducks
Posted on October 15, 2017 at 12:32:45 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Just before noon today as the rain showers
moved back in, there were two Greater Yellowlegs, two Dunlin, and four Pectoral
Sandpipers on the south beach in cell 2 at the Bracebridge Ponds. There were
also seven American Wigeons, four Northern Pintails, four Northern Shovelers, a
few Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, American Black Ducks, Wood Ducks, about
thirty Green-winged Teal, and at least fifty Mallards in cells 1 and 2.
Twenty-four Buffleheads were in cell 4 along with a couple Hooded Mergansers.
Re(1): Butterflies
Posted on October 18, 2017 at 03:06:49 PM by Barbara
Taylor
At the Bracebridge Ponds this morning there
were four Painted Lady butterflies, a Monarch, and a Clouded Sulphur.
Butterflies
Posted on October 12, 2017 at 01:13:50 PM by Barbara Taylor
There are still a few butterflies flying in
Muskoka. So far today I've seen Clouded Sulphur, Monarch, and a Painted Lady.
(Bracebridge)
Snow Geese
Posted on October 9, 2017 at 07:50:38 PM by Dalewenger
While at Thanksgiving dinner tonight my brother
mentioned that he had seen 3 Snow Geese mixed in with a flock of approximately
30 Canada Geese at the Huntsville Fair Grounds. I plan on looking for the birds
tomorow.
Eastern Bluebirds
Posted on October 9, 2017 at 04:00:18 PM by Barbara Taylor
This afternoon there were two Bluebirds along
South Monck Dr. north of the Muskoka Highlands golf course. (Bracebridge)
Storm Wigeon
Posted on October 9, 2017 at 03:03:27 PM by Barbara Taylor
This oddly coloured male American Wigeon was at
the south end of cell 2 at the Bracebridge Ponds today. According to the Birds of North America wigeon webpage, white-cheeked birds
are a natural variant, nicknamed Storm Wigeons. This fellow seemed to have more
of a creamy yellow tone. photo
Ruffed Grouse
Posted on October 8, 2017 at 07:42:27 PM by dinnynimmo
While sitting at Richwell's Port Carling having
a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner I looked out the window and across the road I
saw 4 ruffed grouse strutting down the side of the road.
Re(2): Monarchs,
Burlington
Posted on October 9, 2017 at 08:29:40 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Common Green Darners and Black Saddlebags are
two migrating dragonflies that sometimes get mentioned in the count notes at
Hawkwatches. Here are some interesting links on the subject.
Dragonflies Migrate Like Birds, Study Says:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/05/dragonfly-1.html
Dragonfly Migration - A Food Chain Connection:
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/fall/DragonflyMigration.html
Migratory Dragonfly Partnership:
http://www.migratorydragonflypartnership.org/index/about
Re(2): Monarchs,
Burlington
Posted on October 9, 2017 at 08:12:23 PM by
brendalaking
There are 8 core species of dragonflies
considered to be migratory in Northeastern North America: Common Green Darner,
Black Saddlebags, Wandering Glider, Spot-winged Glider, Swamp Darner, Twelve-spotted
Skimmer, Painted Skimmer, and Carolina Saddlebags. Other species are
unidirectional. Check out the T.E.A. website at ontarioinsects.org. Click on
Publications and you will find an e-publication free to download (70
pages):Migration and Unidirectional Movements of Dragonflies in Northeastern
North America. You could also google "Migratory Dragonfly
Partnership" for citizen scientist projects to help out our understanding
of migration in dragonflies.
Re(1): Monarchs,
Burlington
Posted on October 8, 2017 at 01:57:26 PM by John Challis
Is there a species of dragonfly that migrates?
Monarchs,
Burlington
Posted on October 8, 2017 at 01:35:35 PM by John Challis
We are at a waterfront Diner in Burlington and
are watching scores of Monarch butterflies following the shoreline.
Re(1): Surf Scoter
Posted on October 8, 2017 at 05:30:22 PM by janice
house
It was still there at 1:30
Surf Scoter
Posted on October 8, 2017 at 12:18:32 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there was
a Surf Scoter in cell 2. It was still there at 11:30 a.m. as the rain finally
stopped, so I got some distant photos. No shorebirds seen. photo
photo2
Re(3): Shorebirds -
Baird's
Posted on October 10, 2017 at 09:33:59 PM by Barbara
Taylor
The Baird's Sandpiper was still at the south
end of cell 2 this morning, just west of the white post.
Re(2): Shorebirds -
Baird's
Posted on October 7, 2017 at 04:52:37 PM by Dalewenger
Bird was still being seen at 1:00
Re(1): Shorebirds -
Baird's
Posted on October 7, 2017 at 12:27:22 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning we found a Baird's Sandpiper on
the mud at the south end of cell 2 towards the east side. It flushed three
times when some Green-winged Teal flew off, but eventually returned to the same
spot. It was feeding there when we left around 11:30 a.m. (Raining too hard for
a photo.)
Shorebirds
Posted on October 6, 2017 at 02:39:30 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there was
a Wilson's Snipe, four Killdeer, and a Greater Yellowlegs...by the time we
left, all had gone. The male Gadwall was still in cell 1. A Great Blue Heron
flew in low from the north and landed on the roadway behind us by cell 4. Two
Robins were eating Winterberries north of cell 4 and about twenty White-crowned
Sparrows were feeding in the weeds nearby. A few Pipits were on the roadway
south of cell 4. heron
photo
Re(1): and more
Posted on October 5, 2017 at 05:08:04 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Forgot to mention an Indigo Bunting and a Rusty
Blackbird north of cell 4. The only Warblers seen were two Yellow-rumped, a
Nashville, and a Common Yellowthroat. Here are a few photos from this morning.
American Pipits: photo1
photo2
Black-billed Cuckoo: photo
Indigo Bunting: photo
Gadwalls
Posted on October 5, 2017 at 12:07:44 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Two Gadwalls (M,F) were recent arrivals at the
Bracebridge Ponds this morning in cell 1. There were also six American Wigeons,
a Northern Shoveler, two Northern Pintails, several Green-winged Teal, about 20
Ring-necked Ducks, and 11 Lesser Scaup. A Black-billed Cuckoo was near the SW
corner of cell 4. A few Pipits were scattered about, finding lots of bugs in
the weedy edges of the roadways.
Re(1): Eastern
Bluebirds
Posted on October 5, 2017 at 06:19:40 AM by J. Gardner
We had bluebird boxes for over 25 years.
Always, in the autumn, there would be late flights of migrating birds, checking
over the boxes, no doubt looking for next spring's rentals. J. Gardner
Re(1): Eastern
Bluebirds
Posted on October 4, 2017 at 09:35:08 PM by Doug Smith
We don't usually have bluebirds stay here in
the winter -- too much snow and cold. Here is a link to an article on bluebirds
using nesting boxes for roosting -- http://www.sialis.org/roost.htm
Eastern Bluebirds
Posted on October 4, 2017 at 08:02:37 PM by Hoosierdaddy
After 3 successful fledgings totaling 14
bluebirds and only one box my question is about the family/families coming
back. My box has been clean and idle for a month now and today I've seen 7 or 8
birds flying around the box, entering, leaving, scaring sparrows away just like
they did in the spring. Do they winter over in their box or just checking
things out? Mine stay during the winter here in northern indiana but was
wondering if they'd use the box for shelter.
Monarchs
Posted on October 3, 2017 at 09:17:51 PM by Barbara Taylor
There are still a few Monarchs trying to fly
south, although the wind today didn't help. This one briefly visited our garden
before continuing on its journey. (Bracebridge) photo
Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst
Posted on October 3, 2017 at 07:28:19 PM by janice
house
Tonight while sitting on the back deck waiting
for supper, nice surprise.... a common grackle in the yard. This morning quite
a few American pipits in the pasture across from the house.
Marsh Wren
Posted on October 1, 2017 at 04:37:01 PM by Barbara Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there was
a Marsh Wren in the cattails at the south side of cell 4. It was singing,
preening, and hiding from the camera. (the bird is dead center in the
photos) photo1
photo2
American Copper
Posted on October 1, 2017 at 03:15:35 PM by Barbara Taylor
This American Copper butterfly was enjoying the
warm sunshine in our garden this afternoon. (Bracebridge) photo