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.

photo1  photo2

 

 

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)

photo

 

 

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