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Re(1): Bluebirds
Posted
on June 28, 2007 at 07:51:06 PM by janice house
after dinner tonight I had to check out the bluebird box, found a piece of
fishing line sticking out of the box, when I pulled it out it was all entangled
with feathers and grass, people should be more careful.
Bluebirds
Posted
on June 28, 2007 at 08:26:06 AM by janice house
I cleaned out the two birdboxes in our yard on the weekend after the two tree
swallow families fledged. Within 15 minutes the male bluebird I have seen
around for the past two weeks started checking out the boxes. Since then the
female has been busy with nesting material. (Doe Lake Rd)
Bronze Copper - Henry marsh
Posted
on June 26, 2007 at 10:01:59 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This afternoon I found a Bronze Copper butterfly a short distance west of the
bridge at Henry Marsh and a Milbert's Tortoiseshell by the bridge. There were
several dragonflies including Common Whitetail, Chalk-fronted Corporal, a
Dot-tailed Whiteface, and a Twelve-spotted Skimmer. Three female Ebony
Jewelwing damselflies were near the spot where the snowmobile trail heads east
off the Henry Rd. trail.
I haven't seen or heard any American Bittern at the marsh until today. One flew
up from the stream north of the bridge and went to the far south end of the
marsh out of sight.
Bronze Copper photo
Re(2): Monarch wipe-out
Posted
on July 7, 2007 at 08:04:32 PM by Marilyn Kisser
I heard on the news last evening that a township around the French River also
wiped out a colony of monarch's to extend a graveyard - maybe some education to
the townships would be an idea - I have lots of milkweed on my property and
love it!
Re(1): Monarch wipe-out
Posted
on June 26, 2007 at 09:58:13 PM by Wayne
Bridge
Barbara, we had the same thing happen last year in Kearney. One day lots of
milkweed at our roadside, the next day a 4-foot swath cleared along the road. I
wonder if a citizen could go to the town and suggest waiting until monarch
larvae/pupae time was right. But who could choose a time? We have SO MANY this
year along our 600ft frontage, but it is just a matter of time until the roads
crew - and I do not "blame" them - clears the swath. What to do?
Monarch wipe-out
Posted
on June 26, 2007 at 08:44:26 PM by Barbara
Taylor
I was over at the Bracebridge Ponds this evening and couldn't believe what has
been done. At least four to six feet of grasses/wildflowers/milkweed has been
cut down along the edge of all the roadways around the cells. While it might
keep the bugs further away from walkers, unfortunately it also wiped out about
90% of this year's crop of Monarch eggs and caterpillars that were on the
milkweed plants. I sure wish the town had a "nature consultant" who
could give some good advice on when to do these sort of projects...
Only birds of interest were two southbound Lesser Yellowlegs flying over cell 3 and a Green Heron flying towards Kerr Park.
Re(2): Eleanor's photography
shows...
Posted
on July 2, 2007 at 01:59:59 PM by Barbara Taylor
Doug, you better update Eleanor too...my post is an exact copy of what she sent
me. :)
Re(1): Eleanor's photography
shows...
Posted
on July 2, 2007 at 12:10:16 PM by Doug
Smith
Thank you for posting the information about Eleanor's show and talk at the
Muskoka Lakes Museum in August -- greatly appreciated. I just wanted to clarify
when we are open -- we are open Wednesdays to Sundays, but closed Mondays and
Tuesdays. Also, the talk on Wednesday, August 8th starts at 7:00pm, not 7:30pm
-- you don't want to miss it.
Eleanor's photography shows...
Posted
on June 26, 2007 at 01:44:26 PM by Barbara Taylor
Eleanor Kee Wellman has sent this wonderful photo
of a Common Loon along with a description of her shows this summer for anyone
interested in attending. Eleanor's website is at: http://www.eleanorkeewellman.com/
"Between the Sun and the Loon"
Algonquin Park Visitor's Centre, Friday, June 29 to Wednesday, August 1, 2007.
The Visitor's Centre is open 9 am to 9 pm, seven days a week during the summer!
This is my loon show that was in Bracebridge last summer with a few images
added.
"Photographing Wildlife"
Muskoka Lakes Museum Gallery, Port Carling, Ontario, Saturday, August 4 to
Friday, August 24, 2007. The Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm Monday to
Saturday and 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday. Variety of wildlife subjects from Canada.
"Photographing Wildlife" Digital Presentation
Muskoka Lakes Museum, Port Carling, Wednesday, August 8 at 7:30 pm. How I go
about photographing wildlife from birds to mammals in my own backyard to East
Africa, the Falkland Islands and Northern Canada.
Re(1): Piping Plovers nesting in
Bruce County...another website
Posted
on June 26, 2007 at 06:33:19 PM by Al
Sinclair
Pictures of the wire enclosure around the nest are posted here.
http://sbp.teledyn.com/node/790
Piping Plovers nesting in Bruce
County...news story
Posted
on June 25, 2007 at 12:52:13 PM by Al
Sinclair
A good story on the Piping Plover pair found at Sauble Beach this spring was
published this weekend in the Owen Sound Sun Times. Click on the link below.
Re(1): Chipmunks
Posted
on June 27, 2007 at 01:45:24 AM by Marilyn
Kisser
I haven't really noticed a change in colour in the Rosseau area - however, it
is a bumper crop of chipmunks this year
Chipmunks
Posted
on June 25, 2007 at 11:07:50 AM by Barb
Staples
The chipmunks around my place are considerably darker in colour this year. My
nephew claims this is also the case around his Haliburton cottage. Has anyone
else noticed this and could it be due to food storage, type of winter (?)
Upcoming Bala Butterfly Count
Posted
on June 23, 2007 at 05:44:25 PM by ron
The annual Bala buttefly count will be next Saturday. This count is part of the
North American Buttefly Association(NABA)counts and is a citizen science, and
social, activity that is similar to the Christmas Bird Count of species
diversity and abundance. Beginners are welcome.
The details:
Saturday June 30: Meet at 9:30 am at Ragged Rapids Hydro Parking Lot. Take Hwy
38 from Bala (past Jaspen Park) roughly 5 km to Ragged Rapids Rd. (make right
turn), follow Ragged Rapids Rd to the hydro parking lot, keeping left all the
way. Bring lunch. Nets will be available. After initial introduction and ID of
butterflies, the group will split up for different routes, reconvening at
Jaspen Park at 3:30 p.m. If it is raining heavily, or the wind is strong,
postponement to Sunday is a distinct possibility. If in doubt, phone Al at
645-2848 or Ron at 684-9194. $4 donation is requested from the NABA
organization to defray publication results. (July 1, rain date)
For more information, please contact me (Ron Stager, 684-9194,
ronstager@sympatico.ca). Have a great week and see you there!
Evening Grosbeaks
Posted
on June 22, 2007 at 06:11:25 PM by janice house
Geoff watched 8 evening grosbeaks and approx 20 goldfinch feeding in our yard
today at noon. (Doe Lake Rd)
Large flock of Goldfinch
Posted
on June 20, 2007 at 04:30:17 PM by Barbara
Taylor
At the Bracebridge Ponds this morning there was a large flock of American
Goldfinch along the roadway north of cell 4. There had to be at least 50 birds
- mostly males, but a few females too. Two Pine Siskins were with them. They
were feeding on the tall grass that has gone to seed, and several were finding
something on the road itself.
Re(2): Nature in the Wilds of Bala
Posted
on June 20, 2007 at 07:33:03 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
It is not rare to find rattlesnakes around where I live! I am actually within
the bounderies of Bala. I see then here every year and am glad to have them! I
think lots of people who live west of l69 see them sometimes.
Re(1): Nature in the Wilds of Bala
Posted
on June 20, 2007 at 03:02:55 PM by Wayne
Bridge
I, also, enjoyed the story. Is it rare to find a rattlesnake where you are,
Eleanor? Are you closer to Georgian Bay than Bala?
Re(1): Nature in the Wilds of Bala
Posted
on June 20, 2007 at 08:54:49 AM by Al
Johnston
Great story, Eleanor. How long do you think it'll be before another chippie
moves in to fill the vacuum left by the re-located one? In the meantime you
could replant your flowers.
Nature in the Wilds of Bala
Posted
on June 19, 2007 at 10:17:56 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
Belatedly, I bought some annuals and perennials to fill some holes in my flower
garden. I had forgotten that a chipmunk had pulled out, over and over again,
whatever I planted last year. He did the same again this year! It was so hot that
I decided to just water the disturbed plants and leave them until I had
relocated the chipmunk.
I turned on the hose which is right by my front door and heard a buzzing. It
was a rattlesnake about 2 ft from me. In the perfect spot to get one of the busy
chippies. I left the water on with the sprayer off until the snake left.
This morning I checked and the snake was gone so I set out the live-trap for
the chippie. Half an hour later I looked out the front door and there was a fox
digging and trying to get the chippie out of the trap!
Niether the fox nor the snake got a meal and the chippie has been relocated!
Long Point
Posted
on June 19, 2007 at 05:23:31 PM by Allan
Aubin
We're a little late! The birds on the following list were seen on the MFN field
trip to Long Point June 9 & 10. 78 species were seen but only selected ones
are listed. The trip was led by Dan Burton. Details in the WakeRobin.
Mute Swan
Common Moorhen
Sandhill Crane
Forster's Gull
Black Tern
Purple Martin
N. Rough-winged Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Carolina Wren
Marsh Wren
Blue-winged Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Vesper Sparrow
Lark Sparrow
Re(1): Barred Owls
Posted
on June 18, 2007 at 09:13:39 AM by Alex
Mills
We have commonly had a brood of Barred Owls at our place at Magnetawan. The
young have a very distinctive rising call that could be characterized as
hissing. Its feature of rising in pitch is very distinctive. The closest way I
can imitate it is to close my teeth together and inhale, working against the
clenched teeth, and rising in pitch.
Barred Owls
Posted
on June 17, 2007 at 06:46:34 PM by janice house
Went to visit Dad Thursday night at the cottage (Skeleton Lake Rd 3), winter
wren was singing, and when we left about 9pm there was a Barred Owl sitting on
a limb at the end of his driveway at the edge of the beaver pond. All I heard
was a hissing noise, not the regular call, could this have been young that were
afraid of the truck? The owl kept turning its head but I did not see any other
birds. Shortly after passing Camel Lake Rd on Road 4 another Barred Owl flew in
front of the truck and landed in low shrubs on the west side of the road.
Butterflys
Posted
on June 17, 2007 at 06:32:27 PM by janice house
Milbert's tortoiseshell on the flowers at Home Hardware in Gravenhurst on
Saturday, and one in our yard on Doe Lake Rd today, Monarch's and White
Admirals too.
Re(2): caterpillar update...
Posted
on June 17, 2007 at 07:32:43 PM by Barbara
Taylor
I just checked a few milkweed in our yard and quickly found a dozen Monarch eggs.
There were at least five small Monarch caterpillars on the same plants - all
were less than a 1/4 inch in length.
Re(1): monarch larvae
Posted
on June 17, 2007 at 04:36:49 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Last year I found a small Monarch caterpillar in our yard on June 20, but I
haven't kept records for other years. The first Monarch butterfly was seen in
our yard last year on May 28, same date as this year. (Bracebridge)
Here are some pics from last year:
Monarchs
mating June 5, 2006
Small caterpillar June 20, 2006 (on same plant that had the egg)
Large caterpillar June 29, 2006 (on same plant)
monarch larvae
Posted
on June 17, 2007 at 11:09:55 AM by Wayne
Bridge
I found two monarch larvae on milkweed leaves yesterday. One about 2 in. long,
the other about .75 inch. I've checked my journals and that is by far the
earliest I have found them. (Kearney now, Fergus-Elora before 2006). Milkweeds
aren't even in bloom yet.
Re(2): Red Eyed Vireo
Posted
on June 17, 2007 at 10:21:29 AM by JBurns
Neat! I guess I'm lucky to have had the chance to hold one. Their colouring is
so beautiful, and those piercing red eyes!
Re(1): Red Eyed Vireo
Posted
on June 17, 2007 at 07:01:19 AM by Al
Sinclair
They are rarely seen up close but actually this species is one of the most
abundant birds in North America and very common here . The reason they are not
well known is that they spend almost all of their time in the tops of deciduous
trees hidden by the leaves. However they are constantly singing
"vireo...vireo" all day long, so if you recognize their song you can
find them almost everywhere.
Red Eyed Vireo
Posted
on June 17, 2007 at 01:53:45 AM by JBurns
Hello, I'm out at highways 169/118. A bird hit the window today, and it was a
bit stunned. I held it for a bit and he flew off. I later identified it as a
red eyed vireo.
Is this rare for muskoka?
Re(1): Nessus Sphinx Moth - photos
Posted
on June 18, 2007 at 07:50:30 AM by Jim
Griffin
Had one in my front yard (Port Sydney) last week feeding at lupins; those
yellow bands really stand out.
Nessus Sphinx Moth - photos
Posted
on June 15, 2007 at 05:10:59 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This afternoon I found an Amphion
floridensis (Nessus Sphinx Moth) feeding on our lilac. This is only the second
time I've seen this species. The first time was May 30, 2004 on Browning
Island, but I didn't have a camera handy. photo1
photo2
photo3
photo4
Re(1): A lucky duck...
Posted
on June 16, 2007 at 06:41:12 PM by Dave
Hawke
The poor turtle! After all that work to lose your dinner. Hopefully it found something
else to sustain itself, expecially with the egg laying season upon it.
A lucky duck...
Posted
on June 14, 2007 at 01:58:43 PM by Barbara Taylor
Wilf Yusek sent the following report and photos he took at the Bracebridge
lagoons yesterday morning:
I watched this Mallard struggling in the water about 50 feet from the shore,
using his wings like paddles trying to get to shore. Then I realized that a
turtle had a grip on its foot which I saw when it reached the shore. The poor
bird had quite a struggle as I watched it for about 15 minutes before it got to
the shore and got free from the turtle. You can see the turtle hanging on in
the second picture. He was a big snapper. I watched the Mallard as he rested on
the shore completely exhausted, panting like a dog. About 10 minutes later he
was still on the shore but seemed calmed down, lucky duck. photo1
photo2
photo3
turtle digging a nest
Posted
on June 14, 2007 at 08:08:57 AM by Robert
MacEwan
9:30 Wed. morning on the southern side of cell 2 at the Bracebridge ponds a
(snapping?) turtle came out of the grass right in front of me and began to dig
her nest, I wasn't close enough to see if or how many eggs she laid, (this
picture was taken with a 300 zoom lens) it took her less than 10 minutes to
complete the job and then she scampered back to the water) photo
Re(1): dragonfly identification
Posted
on June 14, 2007 at 11:58:44 AM by Al
Sinclair
Celithemis elisa, Calico Pennant, female
dragonfly identification
Posted
on June 13, 2007 at 09:40:40 PM by dawn
sherman
Also wondering if anyone could identify this dragonfly. It was found in
Huntsville. photo
Re(2): tree identification
Posted
on June 14, 2007 at 12:52:17 PM by dawn
sherman
Thanks!
That would explain why I couldn't find it in any of my tree books.
Re(1): tree identification
Posted
on June 14, 2007 at 11:56:16 AM by Al
Sinclair
My guess is Sorbus thuringiaca, Bastard Service Tree. Ornamental that would
have come from a nursery.
tree identification
Posted
on June 13, 2007 at 09:36:44 PM by dawn
sherman
I was wondering if anyone could help identify this tree. It is growing in a
park in the town of Latchford (near Temagami) photo1 photo2 photo3
Re(3): field guides...
Posted
on June 13, 2007 at 07:44:39 PM by Wayne
Bridge
Thanks Barbara. This Bird Board has been a tremendous help (and inspiration) to
me. I look forward to joining MFN for the next season...Wayne
Re(2): field guides...
Posted
on June 13, 2007 at 11:48:22 AM by Barbara
Taylor
For some good moth websites, jump to the Butterflies/Moths section on my Birding
and Nature Links. There should be a new field guide out soon for the
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Algonquin Park and surrounding areas. I
contacted the Friends of Algonquin Park bookstore this morning and they said it
is currently in the "proof" stage so should be available sometime
later this year. (initially it was supposed to be ready last summer, but was
delayed and more illustrations were being added)
Wayne, here's a copy of Al's earlier post which I retrieved from the Archived
Reports:
Moth books
Posted on March 29, 2007 at 09:51:44 PM by Al Sinclair
Moth Books:
Moths of Eastern North America
Charles Covell Jr.
Virginia Museum of Natural History
Special Publication Number 12
Le guide des Papillons Du Quebec
Louis Hadfield
Brouquet
www.broquet.qc.ca
Re(1): Owl-eyed Bird-dropping
Moth...photo
Posted
on June 13, 2007 at 10:24:58 AM by Wayne
Bridge
Al, you earlier this year mentioned a good moth field guide (or two) and I
neglected to write the info down. Could you repeat it? Also, can you recommend
a good dragonfly guide? We have so many this year. Also, I gather there are
several species of hummingbird moths? Thanks, Wayne Bridge.
Owl-eyed Bird-dropping Moth...photo
Posted
on June 12, 2007 at 08:48:38 PM by Al
Sinclair
Owl-eyed Bird-dropping Moth, Cerma cora, hodges #9061.
This moth with the interesting name was at my light Monday morning. It is the
first time I have seen this species. photo
Sand Lake Breeding Bird Survey
Posted
on June 11, 2007 at 08:24:30 PM by Alex
Mills
I had perfect weather on Saturday (June 9) morning for the Sand Lake Breeding
Bird Survey.
In all, I found 729 birds of 76 species. The top 5, in order, were Red-eyed
Vireo (78), Ovenbird (57), White-throated Sparrow (45), American Robin (39),
and Chestnut-sided Warbler (31).
It was disappointing to find only one swallow (a single Barn); this family's
numbers have plummeted!
Other finds were a Northern Parula, 11 Mourning Warblers, 2 Yellow-bellied
Flycatchers, an Olive-sided Flycatcher, and an Eastern Meadowlark.
Re(1): Killdeer nest
Posted
on June 15, 2007 at 08:51:01 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning the nest was empty - no eggs and no Killdeer. I didn't see any
pieces of eggshell so perhaps a gull or crow raided the nest. A fresh ATV track
was only an inch from the edge of the nest...so it wouldn't have lasted much
longer anyways.
Killdeer nest
Posted
on June 11, 2007 at 01:01:05 PM by Barbara
Taylor
There is a Killdeer nest on the gravel roadway north of cell 4 at the
Bracebridge Ponds. We first noticed the nest Saturday morning when two Killdeer
ran up the road ahead of us doing their broken wing trick. There were three
eggs then, but this morning there were four. So far no vehicles have crushed
the eggs as the nest is almost dead center on the road. Eventually I fear the
nest will be destroyed by the ATVs that frequently roar around the ponds. This
also happens to be a popular section of the Trans Canada Trail.
Merlin - Almaguin Highlands Golf
Course
Posted
on June 11, 2007 at 11:11:14 AM by Kip Daynard
This post is rather late, but for the record on Thursday evening I saw a Merlin
fly low over the #3 green. It had been perched on Ward Island in the Magnetawan
River just opposite hole #3. Also seen or heard on the course:
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
American Redstart
Pine Warbler
Black-and-White Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Ovenbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Alder Flycatcher
Great-crested Flycatcher
Indigo Bunting (x3)
hummingbird moth
Posted
on June 10, 2007 at 08:49:11 PM by Marilyn
Kisser
Had a couple in the yard today, just outside Rosseau photo
Peck Lake Trail
Posted
on June 10, 2007 at 07:23:25 PM by Wayne
Bridge
I wanted some pink lady slippers photographs so, because I knew a spot where
they grow (in Algonquin Park), Beth & I took a trip down to Hwy 60 (from
Kearney) today. At Peck Lake Trail we viewed: pink lady slippers, twinflowers,
blue bead lily, probably thousands of bunchberry, yellow pond lily, bull, green
& mink frogs, many large tadpoles, toadlets only a few weeks old, one BIG
snapping turtle sunning, and a loon on nest. On the way home were two moose
beside Hwy 60. Great day!
Lepidoptera in our yard today
Posted
on June 10, 2007 at 06:26:21 PM by Al
Sinclair
Lepidoptera in our yard today (June 10/07)
White Admiral (1)
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (many)
American Lady (1)
Hobomok Skipper (4)
Tawny-edged Skipper (1)
Indian Skipper (1)
Hummingbird Clearwing (5)
Snowberry Clearwing (1) smaller than Hummingbird CW, wears a black mask
Photos from today:
Indian Skipper (female upper
and under
sides)
Snowberry Clearwing (side and back view)
Algonquin Birds - Rusty Blackbird,
Red Crossbill
Posted
on June 10, 2007 at 10:09:10 AM by dbritton
This morning, from 5:30 to 8:30 am I birded the upper part of the Mizzy Lake
Trail Loop in Algonquin Park, accessed by the old rail bed off of Arowhon Rd.
Overall birding was excellent, there was no wind and the cold overnight
temperatures kept the mosquitoes within tolerable limits.
The two most interesting birds were:
1. a pair of RUSTY BLACKBIRDS at Wolf Howl Pond right where the Mizzy Lake
Trail meets the old rail bed. The male was "singing" in the top of a
spruce along the edge of the berm and the female was in a nearby tree.
2. an early morning flyover of a calling female RED CROSSBILL on the rail bed
west of Wolf Howl Pond.
Other Algonquin breeding specialties were well in evidence, including:
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (5), Olive-sided Flycatcher (1), Blue-headed Vireo
(2), Gray Jay (2), Boreal Chickadee (1), Golden-crowned Kinglet (2),
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5), and 13 species of warblers, including Northern Parula
(3) and Canada (1).
DIRECTIONS - From Highway 60, turn off on Arowhon Rd., about 15 km east of the
West Gate. Continue north for about 6km until the road forks into three, turn
right onto the old railbed and continue a short distance, parking where there
is a chain across the road. Walking this rail bed for about 500m will join up
with the upper part of the Mizzy Lake Trail at Wolf Howl Pond. Continuing along
this trail will take you past West Rose Lake another 300m past this a
productive coniferous swamp.
Small Magpie Moth
Posted
on June 9, 2007 at 09:45:05 PM by Barbara
Taylor
I found this interesting moth in our yard tonight. I have never seen one
before, but I believe it is Eurrhypara hortulata, Small Magpie Moth, Hodges
#4952. photo1
photo2
photo3
Mourning Warbler and Brewer's
Blackbirds
Posted
on June 9, 2007 at 06:55:48 PM by dbritton
This morning there was a male Mourning Warbler singing along Wharf Road in
Bracebridge on the wooded hillside across from the parking lot for the wharf
just below the falls. He was singing persistently, high up in the trees, but
with a little patience I managed to get a decent look at him, near the pathway
leading up the hillside to the end of Kimberly Avenue.
In addition, a male and a female Brewer's Blackbird were seen in the
traditional spot along Beatrice Town Line about 50m north of the intersection
with Falkenburg Road
Black Bear
Posted
on June 9, 2007 at 04:46:59 PM by Marilyn
Kisser
I bring the feeders in at night, but this fellow came a little early - just outside of Rosseau photo
red fox with kits
Posted
on June 7, 2007 at 10:02:42 PM by Robert MacEwan
as I was driving home this evening a fox and 3 kits ran across the road
(Fraserburg) in front of me, I was only able to get a pic of 3 of them, one hid
in the grass, that's the adult with her(?) back to you as she makes sure they
are all safely off the road - maybe it was Mom and Dad with 2 kits and not one
adult with 3 kits? anyway - it was a nice sight to see photo
for camera buffs
Canon Digital Rebel, 28 to 55 lens, automatic high speed action setting, out
the open window of my running truck, no flash, lots of light but no direct sun
Coon Disaster
Posted
on June 7, 2007 at 07:19:54 AM by J.
Gardner
we have 44 twinned boxes on the property, roughtly l8 acres of pasture. We had
36 Tree Swallow nests, 2 Bluebird nests and 1 House Wren. The coon got 29 swallow
nests, including sitting females, 2 bluebird nests and 1 house wren nest. There
were also 5 Tree Swallow nests with the young dead from cold and wet. A
disaster from the swallows perspective. We are located at the south end of Lake
Manitouwabing.
Re(3): Hummingbird Melee - Photos
Posted
on June 7, 2007 at 08:35:10 PM by Marilyn Kisser
I had multiple hummers at all 5 of my feeders yesterday - I have been worried
about all the baby birds due to the cold and wet
Re(2): Hummingbird Melee - Photos
Posted
on June 6, 2007 at 02:49:01 PM by J.
Gardner
We witnessed the same hyperactivity around the hummer feeders yesterday. Just
keeping up the energy levels during the cold snap. Unfortunately, the cold and
wet weather was disastrous for many nests of Tree Swallow babies, newly
hatched. And, a marauding coon who has learned to bypass the guards on the
boxes did up several more boxes of Tree Swallows, including the female sitting
in the box. A Bad Day.
Re(1): Hummingbird Melee - Photos
Posted
on June 6, 2007 at 09:40:49 AM by willowbeachbirding
WOW!!! You are SO lucky!!! I have never witnessed this. Glad you were able to
get pictures!!! Thanks for sharing.
Hummingbird Melee - Photos
Posted
on June 5, 2007 at 08:52:52 PM by Kip Daynard
Perhaps due to the cold, wet weather we're having today, we've witnessed the
most amazing activity at our hummingbird feeders. We don't normally have more
than three or four hummers at once, but this afternoon I've counted at least 12
individuals at two feeders. Almost all are feeding at the one more sheltered
feeder and they seem much more congenial than usual, four birds sitting and
generally two in the air around the feeder all at once, alternating places with
each other, at times with very little aggression. Amazingly, many times we've
seen two birds feeding in the same hole at once for 30-40 seconds at a time,
one bird hovering just above another sitting bird or in some cases standing on
its back or head!
Some photos below. In the 2nd shot one hummer is standing on the back of
another and they are both drinking from the same opening. Can you see all seven
hummingbirds in the last 2 shots?
Re(1): Ruddy Ducks - Bracebridge
Ponds
Posted
on June 4, 2007 at 05:38:32 PM by Barbara Taylor
Don Bailey reports they were still there in cell 1 around 5 p.m.
Ruddy Ducks - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on June 4, 2007 at 04:13:50 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This afternoon there were two Ruddy Ducks in cell 1 at the Bracebridge Ponds.
Most likely both males but the light was dim and no scope. One male was almost
in full breeding plumage but no blue bill visible. The other had a bright white
cheek patch and dark cap but otherwise appeared overall grayish.
Canadian Tiger Swallowtails - Photos
Posted
on June 4, 2007 at 11:29:24 AM by Kip Daynard
Re(1): Black Bear - Bay Lake
Posted
on June 5, 2007 at 00:56:25 AM by Marilyn
Kisser
we have a large bear coming almost nightly into the yard - I bring in the
feeders in the evening now (just outside Rosseau)
Black Bear - Bay Lake
Posted
on June 4, 2007 at 10:17:12 AM by Kip Daynard
A bear visited our yard last night. It knocked over and ripped the top off a
large bird feeder to get at some remnants of sunflower seed. It also climbed
onto our deck and pulled down a suet hanger and a mostly-full hummingbird
feeder. We've sighted bears in the area before, but this is the first time
we've found evidence of one in our yard. While birding on the Bruce Peninsula
on Saturday, we saw a Black Bear cross Lindsey Rd near Pike Bay. Am. Bittern
calling most evenings at dusk from the SE corner of Bay Lake.
beaumaris birds
Posted
on June 4, 2007 at 07:13:28 AM by gerald
willmott
This morning on the dog walk I heard the first American Bittern, on Beaumaris,
this year. Other sightings of note: A pair of Canada Geese still floating
around with their two chick, growing fast. Mother mallard with approximately 10
chicks. A humming birds closely following a Sap Sucker to several different
locations.
Muskoka Field Naturalists - next
meeting June 7
Posted
on June 2, 2007 at 01:19:34 PM by Barbara
Taylor
From the WAKEROBIN - Newsletter of the Muskoka Field Naturalists
June 7, Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Gravenhurst
Ken Stuart from the Ontario Puma Foundation will present a program on the
Eastern Cougar. There has been cougar sightings in Muskoka! (note: guest
speaker presentation will be at beginning of meeting)
Visitors welcome to attend. Meetings from February thru June will be held at
7:30 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Gravenhurst, corner of First and Brock
Streets (across from Giant Tiger). Membership Information & Program
Updates: MFN website
Re(1): Olive-sided Flycatcher
Posted
on June 2, 2007 at 04:09:14 PM by dbritton
Hi Eleanor, I covered the Hekkla/Bear Cave area for the Ontario Breeding Bird atlas
and had an Olive-sided Flycatcher singing in exactly the same spot on June 21,
2003
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Posted
on June 2, 2007 at 12:26:15 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
This mornings trip up Bear Cave Rd, Rosseau, allowed a bird I haven't heard for
several years. Up near the end of the road is an open wetland surrounded by
dead trees. The Olive-sided Flycatcher was singing but I couldn't get it to
come in for a close look.
Wild Turkey - photo
Posted
on June 2, 2007 at 08:39:03 AM by Barbara Taylor
David Hatch sent these photos he took of a Wild Turkey and her nest at
Clevelands House in Minett on May 30.
Saw-whet Owlets!
Posted
on June 1, 2007 at 11:42:23 AM by Kip Daynard
On April 30th the female was sitting on 6 eggs. The owls have been calling
quietly on and off for much of the month of May, but as of yesterday I hadn't
heard them for several nights. Two nights ago I set up a vigil near the nestbox
at dusk in the hopes of seeing the adult visiting the nestbox to feed the young.
I suppose they wait until its fully dark to begin feeding as I watched until it
was quite dark with no sign of activity. Upon looking in the nestbox last night
I found 3 chicks huddled quietly in the bottom. It was a bit difficult to see
given the light and the fact that I had to use a small mirror and a flashlight
to see them. This morning by way of a small digital camera I managed to get
some pictures (see below). photo
It seems possible that one or two may have already fledged, although I suspect
they'd be hanging about outside the nest as I understand they are dependent on
the adult for 2-3 more weeks after fledging. I didn't see the adults last night
and wonder if perhaps the female has left the area. I understand that often the
female leaves the area after moving out of the nest (18 days or so after
hatching) to find another mate while the male stays for another month or so to
feed the young and see them through fledging.
Moose
Posted
on May 31, 2007 at 09:26:09 AM by Barbara Taylor
Our neighbour reports seeing a Moose last evening while out for a walk around
Meadow Heights, Bracebridge.
Mourning Warbler - photo
Posted
on May 30, 2007 at 05:58:30 PM by Barbara Taylor
Wilf Yusek took this photo
of a Mourning Warbler today at the Bracebridge Ponds. The bird can't always be
seen, but you can hear it singing in the woods west of cell 2 a short distance
north of cell 3. You can listen to the song at http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/340/_/Mourning_Warbler.aspx
Semipalmated Sandpipers - photo
Posted
on May 30, 2007 at 05:51:47 PM by Barbara Taylor
Wilf Yusek reports there were 33 Semipalmated Sandpipers at the Bracebridge
Ponds in cell 4 today. They were at the north east side approx 20 yards south
of the north end. Bracebridge Ponds map
Here are two of Wilf's photos of the birds: photo1 photo2
Re(2): Black Bear
Posted
on May 31, 2007 at 08:30:39 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Are all the bears moving to Bracebridge? :)
Just after 7:30 p.m. tonight there was a bear sitting beside a house on Ridge
Valley Dr. It ran off as dog walkers approached.
Re(1): Black Bear
Posted
on May 30, 2007 at 07:31:14 AM by janice house
there was a deer on Dr Parlett's lawn on Monday, do you think the bear was
after it?
Black Bear
Posted
on May 29, 2007 at 09:59:16 PM by Dave
Wright
Pat and I saw a black bear at the back of the arena Mon. 2 am - no ice skates.
(Bracebridge)
Hummingbird Moth and Black Bear
Posted
on May 28, 2007 at 09:24:07 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Yesterday there was a "hummingbird moth" feeding at some Sweet
Woodruff in our garden. It didn't let me get close enough for a positive
identification, but most likely a Hemaris
diffinis (Snowberry Clearwing). I seem to recall they are the most common
in our area and are flying sooner than the other species found here - Hemaris
thysbe (Hummingbird Clearwing) and Hemaris gracilis (Slender Clearwing).
Also last night just before 10 p.m. we had a Black Bear come up onto our back
deck. I guess it was going to investigate our barbecue, but ran off when I went
to the door and turned on the outside light. There was another report of a bear
in a backyard near the Pines last week so they are roaming now.
(Glendale Rd. near Kevin Cres., Bracebridge)
MFN Baillie Birdathon results
Posted
on May 27, 2007 at 04:41:42 PM by Al
Sinclair
10 members of the Muskoka Field Naturalists participated in the Baillie
Birdathon on May 26/27,2007. We birded the Bracebridge Ponds from 7am to 9:30
am on the 26th then divided into 3 groups to cover as much of Muskoka as
possible. The list of species seen below is the combined list for all groups.
Pledges received will be sent to Bird Studies Canada to be used for bird
related projects. Two of the best bird species found were Gray Jays at the
Novar spruce bog and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo seen well on Medora Lake Rd near
Bala. The total for the birdathon was 119 species.
SPECIES SEEN
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
American Bittern
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Green-winged Teal
Mallard
American Black Duck
Blue-winged Teal
Lesser Scaup
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Turkey Vulture
Cooper's Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Wild Turkey
Ruffed Grouse
Virginia Rail
Sora
Killdeer
American Woodcock
Wilson's Snipe
Lesser Yellowlegs
Spotted Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Caspian Tern
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Black-billed Cuckoo
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Barred Owl
Whip-poor-will
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Alder Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Bank Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Cedar Waxwing
House Wren
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Swainson's Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Gray Jay
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
European Starling
Blue-headed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Golden-winged Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Pine Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Wilson's Warbler
Canada Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Brewer's Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
////---- STATISTICS ----/////
Species seen - 119
Participants: Neil Nimmo, Dinny Nimmo, Allan Aubin, Janice House, Stephanie
Lehman, Bill Dickinson, David Goodyear, David Kent, Wilf Yusek, Al Sinclair
Re(4): Common Goldeneye
Posted
on May 29, 2007 at 08:15:08 AM by janice house
common goldeneye was still in cell 1 at 7:30 pm on May 28th, no sign of the
redhead, veery calling south side of cell 4.
Re(3): Common Goldeneye - photo
Posted
on May 28, 2007 at 04:31:12 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Here is a photo
Wilf Yusek took of today's Common Goldeneye. Thanks Wilf.
Re(2): Common Goldeneye, no Redhead
Posted
on May 28, 2007 at 01:27:11 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Wilf Yusek reports that at 1:20 p.m. today the Redhead cannot be found, but
there is now a male Common Goldeneye in cell 1.
Re(1): Redhead, Wigeons -
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on May 27, 2007 at 02:50:36 PM by Al
Sinclair
At 2:30pm the Redhead was in cell 1 at the south end swimming with Mallards.
Redhead, Wigeons - Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on May 27, 2007 at 01:26:55 PM by Barbara
Taylor
As of 12:45 p.m. today there is a male Redhead, a couple American Wigeons, a
pair of Green-winged Teal, Wood Ducks, and a few American Black Ducks amongst
the many, many Mallards in cell 4. A pair of Blue-winged Teal were in the
marshy area east of cell 4. Bracebridge
Ponds map
Directions are only approximate. North is at the top of the map towards Kerr Park and West is at the left of the map towards the pipeline. So the NW corner of cell 4 is the top left corner of cell 4 on the map.
Re(4): Monarch
Posted
on May 28, 2007 at 08:04:59 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
Interesting, I was 100 ml north of Duluth, Minnesota, from last Tuesday to
Saturday and saw two Monarchs playing around the same location each of those
days.
Re(3): Monarch
Posted
on May 27, 2007 at 03:16:48 PM by janice house
saw 2 at Covered Bridge Trail west of Zellers in Bracebridge yesterday.
Re(2): Monarch - North Muskoka
Posted
on May 27, 2007 at 02:56:09 PM by Al
Sinclair
We were out all day yesterday, May 26, in the northern part of Muskoka doing the
Baillie Birdathon. Saw 2 Monarchs, one at the end of Marsh Rd on Lake Veron,
one on Bear Cave Rd north of Hekkla.
Re(1): Monarch - Bracebridge
Posted
on May 27, 2007 at 01:28:04 PM by Barbara Taylor
Saw my first Monarch butterfly of the year at the Bracebridge Ponds around noon
today.
Monarch, Kearney
Posted
on May 27, 2007 at 08:16:55 AM by Wayne
Bridge
Saw the first monarch in Kearney (for me) Saturday May 26 at about 4 p.m.
mallard
Posted
on May 27, 2007 at 08:14:19 AM by gerald
willmott
This morning on my dog/bird walk i saw mother mallard herding her 10 chicks
into the bullrushes of a small pond that joins up with Lake Muskoka. There is
also pair of Canada Geese with two gosslings in the same pond. We also have
been seeing Alder Flycatchers.
Gerald Willmott
Black-throated Blue Warbler &
Great Crested Flycatchers
Posted
on May 26, 2007 at 07:57:38 PM by Barb Staples
My first-ever sighting 5 pm today of a Black-throated Blue Warbler, a solitary
male - from all angles in sunlight he appeared considerably darker above than
any guides portray. Also a pair of Great Crested Flycatchers are nesting
nearby. Located undeveloped end of Sunny Lake, Gravenhurst.
Monarch
Posted
on May 26, 2007 at 11:44:58 AM by dawn
sherman
I saw my first Monarch on the Hunter's Bay Trail today in Huntsville.
Re(1): Mourning Warbler at Bracebridge
Ponds
Posted
on May 25, 2007 at 08:22:26 PM by Kip Daynard
Heard a Mourning Warbler outside my house on Bay Lake this morning. First of
season for me in Muskoka/Parry Sound and a first ever yard record!
Mourning Warbler at Bracebridge
Ponds
Posted
on May 25, 2007 at 09:15:30 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there was a Mourning Warbler at the Bracebridge Ponds very near
the spot there has been one in past years. It was singing at the edge of the
woods west of cell 2 at the very south end of the cell. West of cell 4 there
was a Blackpoll Warbler and at least three Sora calling. A Veery was singing
near the NW corner of cell 4. A Lesser Yellowlegs was at the south shoreline of
cell 4.
Directions are only approximate. North is at the top of the map towards Kerr
Park and West is at the left of the map towards the pipeline. So the NW corner
of cell 4 is the top left corner of cell 4 on the map. Bracebridge
Ponds map
Blackpoll Warbler east of
Bracebridge
Posted
on May 24, 2007 at 09:57:59 PM by Al
Sinclair
Today at 8:30 am I heard the unusual song of a Blackpoll Warbler in our back
yard ( sounds like a grasshopper). Located it foraging in a large maple where
it stayed for about 15 minutes before moving on. First one we have had in our
yard in about 10 years. Also had our first Cedar Waxwings of the year here this
morning.
Re(1): Common Nighthawk
Posted
on May 24, 2007 at 09:51:49 PM by Al
Sinclair
Last night, May 23, in a 30 minute period around 6pm, we had 4 Nighthawks fly
by heading north, one at a time. Hwy 118E 8km east of Bracebridge
Common Nighthawk
Posted
on May 24, 2007 at 08:00:39 PM by janice house
just came back from dog walk, 2 nighthawks flew over head
(Doe Lake Rd.)
Re(1): Curve-toothed Geometer Moth
Posted
on May 22, 2007 at 06:11:32 PM by Al
Sinclair
This species was abundant this year, 75 at my light east of Bracebridge on May
9. The adults fly in May, numbers dropping off now.
Curve-toothed Geometer Moth
Posted
on May 22, 2007 at 04:11:13 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This afternoon I found this moth hiding on the shady side of our house. It
appears to be a Curve-toothed Geometer. (Bracebridge) photo
Wilson's warbler
Posted
on May 22, 2007 at 02:52:42 PM by Wayne
Bridge
At the Burk's Falls lagoons this a.m. I was treated to a great look at a male
Wilson's warbler. Others included spotted sandpipers, Canada geese, brown
thrasher, common yellowthroat, and a male bobolink beside the lane.
Blackburnian
Posted
on May 22, 2007 at 07:23:57 AM by gerald
willmott
I found Beaumaris' first Blackburnian Warbler on my morning dog walk. Poor dog
gets tired of me staring at trees and listening. The Blackburnian had a quiter
and thinner song than i had thought. When my hearing failes me, this bird will
be out of my range! I also noticed it would fly down a tree and then work its
way to the top.
Gerald Willmott
Beaumaris
Re(1): Addendum to Algonquin Park
update
Posted
on May 22, 2007 at 08:18:20 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (May 22, 2007) and
is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Spruce Grouse:
Three were observed along Arowhon Road, south of the old railway,
on May 13.
Boreal Chickadee:
Two were reported along the old railway about 300m beyond the chain
gate as one proceeds toward Wolf Howl Pond on May 13. Do not block
access through the chain gate. This site is accessible via the Arowhon
Road at km 15.4 on Highway 60. See Park Tabloid (available at park
gates) for more details.
Good birding.
Ron Tozer (semi-retired Algonquin Park Naturalist)
Dwight, Ontario
Algonquin Park birding update: 21
May
Posted
on May 21, 2007 at 04:07:27 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (May 21, 2007) and
is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
The following summarizes recent birding reports for some northern
species in Algonquin Provincial Park. Please let us know if you have
additional information.
Barred Owl:
Heard regularly in the hardwood habitat from the West Boundary to
about Lake of Two Rivers. Sites to listen include: km 2, km 16, km 18,
km 23, km 27, and km 29. These are locations where Barred Owls
were seen and/or heard following the playing of the owl survey
recording during April, after sunset.
Northern Saw-whet Owl:
Still being heard singing regularly throughout the Highway 60
Corridor, starting soon after sunset. A record high count was obtained
on our three Highway 60 owl surveys during April.
Spruce Grouse:
There have been recent sightings at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
along Opeongo Road. This grouse becomes harder to locate in
late May and during June.
American Three-toed Woodpecker:
No reports have been received since early April.
Black-backed Woodpecker:
This woodpecker has been reported at Spruce Bog, and along
Mizzy Lake Trail in the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake section.
Gray Jay:
Birds are still being seen at Spruce Bog and along Opeongo Road.
Adults and their fledged young are inconspicuous during late May and
through June.
Boreal Chickadee:
No recent reports. This chickadee is difficult to locate now.
Females are incubating eggs, or soon will be.
Red Crossbill:
Still being seen regularly in small numbers. There have been recent
sightings of fledged young.
White-winged Crossbill:
Present in low numbers still. Interestingly, there have been no reports
of fledged young of this crossbill, despite all the apparent breeding
behaviour seen in late winter and early spring.
Pine Siskin:
Still common, with many sightings of fledged young during May.
Evening Grosbeak:
A few are being seen, especially in parking lots where they frequently
go under vehicles to access encrusted salt deposits left from the winter.
Moose:
A few are still regular along the highway, especially in early morning and
evening.
Black Flies:
On cooler, breezy days they are not too bad yet. However, in some sheltered
locations, on warmer, cloudy days, they have been numerous. Be prepared!
Birders seeking warblers and other birds here are advised to get in the
field early in the morning, when black flies are less active in the cool
temperatures.
As always, please let us know the date, number and location of birds you
observe when you visit Algonquin Park. In particular, we would like your
assistance with spring arrival dates. Please add your sightings to the
sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby.
Your bird sightings information is stored in the Algonquin Visitor Centre
database, and will help us to assist other birders visiting the Park.
Thanks.
Good birding.
Ron Tozer (semi-retired Algonquin Park Naturalist)
Dwight, Ontario
Directions:
Algonquin 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 on Highway 60 in the park go from the West Gate
(km 0) to the East Gate (km 56). Permits and information are available
daily at both gates. The free Algonquin 2007 Information Guide has a map
showing the location of sites mentioned in this report.
The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from May 18
to June 28. Recent bird sightings and information can be obtained there.
------------------------------------------------------
*ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm
ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
Covered Bridge Trail
Posted
on May 21, 2007 at 11:32:07 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning we finally found our first Canada Warbler of the year. It was
singing near the entrance to the Covered Bridge subdivision in Bracebridge.
Nearby along the trail that follows Beaver Creek there were Chestnut-sided
Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, Alder Flycatchers, Gray Catbird, and a Brown
Thrasher.
Wilf's Photos
Posted
on May 20, 2007 at 04:52:40 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Wilf Yusek sent these two photos he took today. Thanks Wilf.
Wilson's
Phalarope
Semipalmated Plover (Wilf found three this morning in the south-east corner of cell 4)
Re(1): Ruddy Duck and shorebirds
Posted
on May 20, 2007 at 03:53:58 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This afternoon we couldn't find the Wilson's Phalarope, but the female Ruddy
Duck was still there. Three Semipalmated Plovers were in the south-east corner
of cell 3 (near the Lagoon Lane entrance) - still there as of 3 p.m. At the
west shoreline of cell 4 there was one Semipalmated Plover near the south end
and one Solitary Sandpiper near the north end. There was one Lesser Yellowlegs
in cell 1 and forty or so Least Sandpipers. Spotted Sandpipers and Killdeer
were also scattered about.
Directions are only approximate. North is at the top of the map towards Kerr
Park and West is at the left of the map towards the pipeline. So the NW corner
of cell 4 is the top left corner of cell 4 on the map.
Wilson's Phalarope, Ruddy
Duck...Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on May 20, 2007 at 10:47:14 AM by Al
Sinclair
Wilf Yusek called from the Ponds at 10:45 am today to report a Wilson's
Phalarope and Ruddy Duck in the middle toward the north end of cell 1.
oven bird
Posted
on May 20, 2007 at 01:21:50 AM by Marilyn
Kisser
the oven birds wake me up early every morning, so I went out looking for them
yesterday early - photo taken just outside Rosseau on Crawford Street, off the
Aspdin Road photo
Windermere Birds
Posted
on May 19, 2007 at 11:20:25 AM by dbritton
I birded the area along Windermere and Dee Bank Roads between Rostrevor and
Irwin Klingbeil roads. Overall, birding was excellent, with 70 species heard
and seen. Of note were: both Eastern Towhee and Mourning Warbler singing on
Irwin Klingbeil Road, near its northern intersection with Dee Bank Road. On
Rostervor Rd. about 100m north of the bridge I had a Philadelphia Vireo and a
Wilson's Warbler. Notably there we no Golden-winged Warblers heard - this area
has been a reliable breeding spot for at least the last 8 years.
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
Posted
on May 18, 2007 at 05:35:42 PM by Ron
Stager
Since the weather was nice, I took a long lunch-hour to look for butterflies
along Merkley and Lewisham Roads (east of Barkway). Saw 14 species over a short
period of time with the following notable:
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (first of year)
Red Admiral (lots probably more than 20: I didn't see a single one last year)
Juvenal's Duskywings (very abundant)
Other species seen
Cabbage White
Mustard White
Clouded Sulfur
Eastern Pine Elfin
Brown Elfin
Spring Azure
Silvery Blue
Eastern Comma
Grey Comma
Dreamy Duskywing
Common Roadside Skipper
Brings to mind the Bala Butterfly count on June 30 : some of the species seen
today are still around for the count. Please let me know if you are interested
in participating.
Ron Stager
Request for Monarch Butterfly Sightings
Posted
on May 18, 2007 at 11:24:14 AM by davisdon
In the past, I have appreciated receiving reports from this excellent nature
sightings board of "first" sightings of monarch butterflies. Again
this year, Journey North - an award winning-internet based science program -
requests your first sightings of adult monarch butterflies, eggs and larva. You
may register at www.learner.org/jnorth to report your sighting directly there,
or post it to this list where I can see it.
Of course, Journey North also looks for other "first sightings" of
other species as spring arrives across the continent. For those wanting to
report other Ontario butterfly sightings, check out the Google group
"Ontario Butterflies".
This week, I have received a number of reports of adult monarch sightings from
the Toronto area, including Toronto Islands, Scarborough as well as Oshawa. For
details on setting up a "Monarch Waystation", go to
www.monarchwatch.org.
Thanks again.
Don Davis
Toronto, ON
Semipalmated Plovers at Bracebridge
Ponds
Posted
on May 18, 2007 at 09:11:53 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning three Semipalmated Plovers, two Killdeer, and five Least Sandpipers
were all together on the west shore of cell 4 near the south end. (all still
there as of 8:30 a.m. when I left) Bracebridge
Ponds map
A Sora was calling near the south-west corner of cell 4, along with a pair of
Gray Catbirds. A male Wilson's Warbler was low in the thickets along the
pipeline/snowmobile trail west of cell 4. Two Green Herons were in the wet area
west of cell 4 near the north end. A Virginia Rail was calling from the flooded
area north of cell 4. A Black-billed Cuckoo and a Wood Thrush were near the NW
corner of cell 4. Many warblers and a Red-eyed Vireo at the edge of the woods
west of cell 2, but no Mourning Warbler yet. Baltimore Orioles and Eastern Kingbirds
were in the woods near the NE corner of cell 4.
At Kerr Park an Eastern Meadowlark was singing near the west fenceline and an
Eastern Bluebird was near one of the nestboxes there. A pair of Brown Thrashers
were in the shrubbery near the viewing stand. A pair of Blue-winged Teal were
in the little pond by the parking lot.
rose-breasted grosbeak
Posted
on May 17, 2007 at 09:03:24 PM by Marilyn
Kisser
this male visited the feeders for a couple of days last week - each year we
find the numbers of the rose-breasted grosbeaks has been declining here -
Crawford Street, Rosseau photo
indigo bunting
Posted
on May 17, 2007 at 08:55:59 PM by Marilyn
Kisser
this is the first year the indigo bunting has come to the finch feeders - just
outside Rosseau on Crawford Street
Palm Warbler
Posted
on May 17, 2007 at 03:58:45 PM by wilf yusek
Took a fast look at the lagoons this a.m. saw a Palm Warbler in the trees,
bushes across the road on the east side of cell 1 approx near the middle of the
cell (Bracebridge)
Re(1): Sandhill Cranes seen on
Muskoka Bay golf course...photo
Posted
on May 17, 2007 at 08:31:50 PM by Marilyn
Kisser
I heard 2 sandhill cranes fly over the house here just outside of Rosseau the
other morning
Sandhill Cranes seen on Muskoka Bay
golf course...photo
Posted
on May 15, 2007 at 05:19:29 PM by Al
Sinclair
Yesterday, May 14, 2007, Lauren Ackerman spotted 2 Sandhill Cranes on the 8th
hole at the Muskoka Bay golf course in Gravenhurst. She sent the photo
below.
Re(2): Warbler photos
Posted
on May 17, 2007 at 08:36:39 PM by Marilyn Kisser
I'm not far from Bear Cave, and I hear the warblers very early every morning -
I'll have to get out there for some photos too
Re(1): Warbler photos
Posted
on May 15, 2007 at 06:31:33 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Eleanor has sent these two photos of the warblers. Thanks Eleanor. Great shots!
Canada
Warbler Magnolia
Warbler
Bear Cave Rd. N of Rosseau
Posted
on May 15, 2007 at 02:40:23 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
I headed to Bear Cave Road this morning and got 13 species of warber.
Nashville, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-throated Blue,
Black-throated green, Yellow-rumped, Pine, Black & White, Ovenbird,
Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat and Canada. That is a big warbler day
for me in Muskoka! I do have a difficult time telling Canada and Magnolia apart
when quickly attempting to get photographs. I got some of each of the two.
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on May 15, 2007 at 12:57:22 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there was a Tennessee Warbler singing
west of cell 4 - first we've found this spring. A Sora was calling west of cell
4 and a Virginia Rail was north of cell 4. There were three Solitary
Sandpipers, six Least Sandpipers, and a couple Spotted Sandpipers along the
west shoreline of cell 4. At least nine young Canada Geese with their parents
in cell 2. A Broad-winged Hawk soared low overhead, and an American Kestrel
flew past carrying a mouse in its feet. The Northern Waterthrush was again
singing near the NW corner of cell 4 as well as some Gray Treefrogs,
and many of the warbler species mentioned in earlier posts. Bracebridge
Ponds map
Bonaparte's Gulls etc - Bernard Lake
and Lagoons
Posted
on May 14, 2007 at 11:11:01 AM by Kip Daynard
A quick visit to the Bernard Lake this morning revealed 19 Bonaparte's Gulls
sitting on some rocks off the point to the SW side of the lake (visible from
Bernard Lake Dam). A Common Loon and several Ring-billed and Herring Gulls were
also in the same bay.
In the west cell of the sewage lagoons I found the following waterfowl:
1 Lesser Scaup
5 Common Goldeneyes
10 Buffleheads
2 Ring-necked Ducks
8 Wood Ducks
8 Mallards
At least 5 Spotted Sandpipers were also present on the banks of the lagoon and
flying over Stirling Creek and Bernard Lake. Other species heard or seen in the
area include:
5 Yellow Warbler
1 Magnolia Warbler
2 Nashville Warbler
1 Hermit Thrush
2 Pileated Woodpecker
etc.
DIRECTIONS
Coming the south take Hwy 11 north past Burk's Falls. Turn right on North Horn
Lake Rd East. Turn left on Muskoka Rd, then right on S. Lake Bernard Rd. After
crossing the railway tracks, turn left on High Rock Rd. and follow 2.5 kms or
so to the Bernard Lake Dam. The lagoons are on the left, Bernard Lake is on the
right.
Southwood Rd.
Posted
on May 13, 2007 at 11:35:46 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
This morning I drove and made many stops along Southwood Rd. from Torrance to Smith
Rd. One species I didn't mention last report was Field Sparrow of which I heard
several today. Several Brown Thrashers. Lots of Chestnut-sided Warblers among
others. Broad-winged Hawks last evening. The only surprise was an adult male
Merlin.
Thrasher
Posted
on May 13, 2007 at 09:35:38 AM by nickbartok
Brown thrasher has returned yet again to nest in the hedge at my parents house
on fraserburg road
must be going on 10 years now!!
Lagoons - Rail and Warblers
Posted
on May 12, 2007 at 09:29:17 AM by goodyear
We birded the Bracebridge Lagoons early this morning. Despite the chill we
found some good birds. Male Magnolia, 2 male Blackburnians, and a male Northern
Parula at the NW corner of Cell 4. Also lots of Yellows, Yellow-rumped, Palm,
and 2 Black and Whites. We heard and then saw a Virginia Rail in the flooded
area north of Cell 4. Many Bank, Barn, Tree, and Rough-winged Swallows over
Cells 1 and 2. 4 Least Sandpipers on the mud flat at the south end of Cell 2.
baltimore oriole
Posted
on May 11, 2007 at 09:24:41 PM by John
Challis
We've had a Baltimore oriole around our place for three days now. Today, a
female was at our hummingbird feeder sipping nectar -- and was chased away by a
belligerent hummer.
Hermit thrush have also been around this evening, and this morning heard first
black-throated blue, first red-eyed vireo (pretty sure it wasn't the
blue-headed). Nashville warblers are quite numerous along our road (Green River
Drive, Washago). And the ovenbirds have been growing in numbers all week.
Northern Parula - Bay Lake
Posted
on May 11, 2007 at 02:44:20 PM by Kip Daynard
First of season heard today around 2pm.
Re(2): Orange-crowned Warbler -
Burk's Falls Lagoons
Posted
on May 11, 2007 at 04:55:44 PM by Kip Daynard
Wayne,
What I usually do is walk around the trail to the west of the south cell. Then
about midway across, by leaving the trail and walking up to the fence you can
get an excellent view of both cells while still staying outside the fence (Some
smallish conifers on that edge make for a decent blind, whereas crossing the
fence tends to flush whatever birds are on the water).
Re(1): Orange-crowned Warbler -
Burk's Falls Lagoons
Posted
on May 11, 2007 at 04:27:09 PM by Wayne
Bridge
Kip, I know it's posted, but can one actually walk around to the farthest (from
the gate) lagoon? It's very difficult trying to see well from the gate area??
Orange-crowned Warbler - Burk's
Falls Lagoons
Posted
on May 11, 2007 at 12:06:56 PM by Kip Daynard
I found a male Orange-crowned Warbler this morning feeding at eye level right
beside the fork in Lagoon Lane across the road from the boat storage yard. He
was very obliging, showing off his beautiful orange crown at close range
(making me sorry I left my camera at home)! Other species present included:
2 American Redstarts
2 Nashville Warblers
4 Yellow Warblers
6 Chestnut-sided Warblers
1 Ovenbird
4 Black-throated Green Warblers
1 Common Yellowthroat
3 Black-and-White Warblers
4 Bobolinks (singing on west side of south cell)
2 Swamp Sparrows
etc.
Dozens of Chimney Swifts, Barn and Tree Swallows were hunting over the lagoons.
2 Bufflehead and 3 Lesser Scaup in the south cell. A strange sight to the
south-east of the lagoons was a Raven flying about with absolutely no tail
feathers!
Directions
Exit Hwy 11 at Hwy 520 (Ontario St.) and follow into the centre of town. Turn
east onto Yonge St. and follow this across the bridge over the South Magnetewan
River. After crossing the railway tracks, take a left on Lagoon Lane. The
lagoon is at the end.
Golden-winged Warbler at Henry Marsh
Posted
on May 11, 2007 at 10:41:54 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there was a male Golden-winged Warbler in the open area to the
left of the Henry Trail as you leave the woods (same spot as last year). He
flew up into the large dead tree and sang several times before descending back
down into the shrubbery. Other birds in the area were a Rose-breasted Grosbeak,
Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated
Green Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville
Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, Ovenbird, many American Goldfinch, Purple Finch,
Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and Belted Kingfisher.
directions to Henry marsh:
From Hwy. 11 take Hwy.118W to first set of traffic lights at Eccelstone Dr. and
Wellington St. in Bracebridge. Turn left onto Beaumont Dr., and continue to
Henry Rd. There is a parking area at the end of Henry Rd. by the pile of
woodchips at the trailhead.
sighting
Posted
on May 10, 2007 at 06:57:23 PM by davidkent
cape may warbler seen from the Kerr Park parking lot May 10th
Explosion of Bird Song
Posted
on May 10, 2007 at 12:46:30 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
Yesterday I drove from Torrance to Hwy 11 on Southdown Rd. and there was bird
song everywhere! The same species singing next to each other and across the
road too.
Too many of these species to count - Warblers - Black & White,
Black-throated Green,Chestnut-sided, Pine, and Yellow. I have never heard so
many of the above species as well as Least Flycatchers. One Eastern Towhee
heard.
One Black-throated Blue singing on Ragged Rapids Rd. A couple of Red-eyed
Vireos and today I thought I heard a Wood Thrush.
Warbling Vireos and Yellow Warblers at the IGA,Port Carling, along with a
Caspian Tern, mentioned by Virginia Pray.
Re(1): Lagoons – more…
Posted
on May 10, 2007 at 08:35:51 AM by Goodyear
I forgot to mention that we heard a Sora calling from the wet area west of Cell
4. We also saw a Bittern in the "lake" that the beaver has created N
of Cell 4.
Lagoons - Bay-breasted and
Orange-crowned
Posted
on May 9, 2007 at 07:18:46 PM by Goodyear
We birded the Bracebridge Lagoons after work this evening and had great looks
at two male Bay-breasted Warblers and an Orange-crowned Warbler. They were with
a large, loose flock of Yellow-rumps, Nashville, Yellow, and Palm Warblers that
were working the trees/shrubs at the NW corner of cell 4. A male Scarlet
Tanager was singing near the Lagoon Lane gate - neon red against the early tree
buds!
Pileated eating eggshells
Posted
on May 9, 2007 at 06:37:40 PM by Barbara
Taylor
A female Pileated Woodpecker has been coming to our garden to feed on bits of
eggshell that I sprinkle on the soil. She was just here again a few minutes
ago. The garden is very close to several large White Pine trees so I guess she
feels quite safe foraging on the ground there. A couple days ago she called
loudly and her mate came to join her in the yard, and then they flew off
together. In past years we've seen Blue Jays, a female Cardinal, a female Hairy
Woodpecker, a Great Crested Flycatcher, Grackles, Robins, and even Brown
Thrashers feeding on the eggshells, but never a Pileated until now. (note: the
eggshells are from hardboiled eggs, so they're safe for the birds to eat)
Port Carling birds
Posted
on May 9, 2007 at 11:54:09 AM by Virginia Pray
This a.m. in Port Carling we have a Yellow Bellied Sapsucker, a number of White
Crowned Sparrows, a Caspian Tern over the river and a Loon just below the IGA.
Male Hummers are frequent at the feeder.
Wed. May 9 at Magnetawan
Posted
on May 9, 2007 at 11:14:31 AM by Alex Mills
This morning there were more new arrivals in evidence here.
Among 12 species of warblers this morning were MAGNOLIA, CHESTNUT-SIDED,
GOLDEN-WINGED, and AMERICAN REDSTART.
Also present were VIRGINIA RAIL, LEAST FLYCATCHER, BROWN THRASHER, VEERY, RUSTY
BLACKBIRD, AND WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.
Yesterday at twilight, I heard an OVENBIRD deliver its above-the-canopy flight
song.
Bracebridge Ponds
Posted
on May 9, 2007 at 10:37:04 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds the birding was great! The best spots for
warblers were at the NW corner of cell 4, the Lagoon Lane gate, and the viewing
stand at Kerr Park. The shorebirds were mostly in cell 1 and 3. The Rusty
Blackbirds were west of cell 3. American
Toads were calling north of cell 4.
Today’s birds:
Warbling Vireo
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Nashville Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Palm Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Least Flycatcher
Baltimore Oriole
Brown Thrasher
Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Meadowlark
Rusty Blackbird
White-crowned Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Lesser Scaup
Wood Duck
Bufflehead
Blue-winged Teal
Solitary Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
Spotted Sandpiper
Killdeer
May 10th
Posted
on May 10, 2007 at 11:02:46 AM by Kip Daynard
SCARLET TANAGER
AMERICAN REDSTART
YELLOW WARBLER
HERMIT THRUSH
Nashville Warbler
Black-and-White Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Ovenbird
Least Flycatcher
Great-crested Flycatcher
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
etc.
first of season for me in caps
Bay Lake arrivals
Posted
on May 9, 2007 at 09:04:53 AM by Kip Daynard
Black-throated Green Warbler and Rose-breasted Grosbeak arrived on Sunday.
Yesterday, I heard my first Ovenbird. Today: Least Flycatcher, Great-crested
Flycatcher, Black-and-White Warbler heard around the house.
beaumaris birds
Posted
on May 9, 2007 at 07:23:14 AM by gerald
willmott
Todays new birds,
Yellow warbler and least flycatcher
Beaumaris
Bobolink
Posted
on May 9, 2007 at 07:12:15 AM by J.
Gardner
May 8 a Baltimore Oriole and male Bobolink turned up.
Bala Update, May9
Posted
on May 9, 2007 at 06:17:10 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
Chestnut-sided warblers, Ovenbirds, Yellow Warbler plus additional birds of
warblers that arrived earlier. Black & Whites in many places.
Magnetawan
Posted
on May 8, 2007 at 07:26:00 PM by Alex Mills
At Magnetawan:
Yesterday morning (Monday May 7), there was a BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER singing from
the hemlocks at the lakeshore. Today, there was a BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER
singing at a nearby beaverpond, and an EVENING GROSBEAK flew overhead.
bluebird
Posted
on May 8, 2007 at 07:16:04 AM by gerald
willmott
I had nearly despaired that there would be no blue birds at our boxes on
Beaumaris Golf Course this year, but as I crested a hill and looked down at the
boxes I was surprised to see a male and female flying in and out of a box. I
even saw the male feeding the female, I don't know if they do this, but it
appeared so. Also there were tree swallows nesting in the other two boxes. I
didn’t think that they would tolerate each other is such close proximity. This
means that out of 5 boxes, three have tree swallows and one has a blue bird
family.
Also there has been a Brown Thrasher calling on location for the past week and
the orioles have returned to our feeder. Oh, there is also a pair of hoodies
hanging around.
Gerald,
Beaumaris
Phoebe using Robin's Nest
Posted
on May 8, 2007 at 06:31:08 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
A Robin built a nest last year by my front door. It attempted to raise 3
families there. It raised part of each brood but something got one or two eggs
each time.
Someone suggested that I should leave the nest there and I did.
This year, as I reported to the MFN last week, an Eastern Phoebe is using the
old nest. I found a smashed egg on the porch the other day and assumed that the
phoebe had left. I see that it is sitting in the nest at night and hope it is,
at least, partly successful. Last summer it nested in a place where red
squirrels pass to get to my bird feeders and none of the nesting were
successful.
Re(1): Bala Area
Posted
on May 7, 2007 at 08:40:44 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
I missed mentioning a hummer as well!
Bala Area
Posted
on May 7, 2007 at 08:39:45 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
New today I heard both American Bittern and Great-crested Flycatcher at my
place.
I have at least 3 pairs of Purple Finches coming to my feeders and at least one
male was doing it wing flutter display. The female sat, unmoving, as the male
hopped up and down one branch than moved to several more fluttering its wings
and head feathers raised. It turned all around so she could get a good look at
his splendid colour! This was a first for me. I did get pictures but through
the window.
I still have about 20 Wood Ducks coming in.
American Bittern
Posted
on May 7, 2007 at 08:29:03 PM by janice house
just came back from our walk, bittern calling from the swamp between Laycox Rd
and Tomingas Rd. (Doe Lake Rd Gravenhurst)
Ruby throated Hummingbird
Posted
on May 7, 2007 at 08:22:47 PM by Dave Wright
Our first R-t. Hummingbird showed up today about
9:00am I put 3 feeders out last night just at dusk.
(Bracebridge)
Torrance Barrens
Posted
on May 7, 2007 at 06:19:40 PM by George
Bryant
Friday, May 4 I had 3 Woodcock, 1 or 2 (not sure) American Bitterns, 5
Whip-poor-will (I was surprised they were all back), 2 Ruffed Grouse beside the
road, 1 Wild Turkey which I almost hit,7 Wilson's Snipe, Tree Frogs (I thought
it was early for this) Leopard Frogs close & loud, Peepers, American Toads.
No Wood Frogs so I guess they've stopped calling.
Carden Alvar gets a lot of attention, Torrance Barrens none and yet it has
some many special features (dark skies, quiet environs)
Kerr Park birds
Posted
on May 7, 2007 at 12:32:07 PM by Bob Burt
This morning at Kerr Park in Bracebridge there was a pair of Brown Thrashers
near the viewing stand. There was also an Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Kingbird,
and a Green Heron at the edge of the pond by the parking lot.
Henry Marsh Bracebridge
Posted
on May 7, 2007 at 08:56:30 AM by terry
& marion whittam
We had a quick visit to Henry marsh Saturday morning. While standing on the
bridge wondering what to take a picture of I heard a 3 note shorebird call
coming towards us from the far side of the marsh. The bird circled me and
proceeded to land about 5 meters away. With the sun behind me I proceeded to
take a few shots! Also saw the Pied bill grebe mentioned by Al Aubin. No
bitterns at all! Yellowlegs
Re(1): New arrivals
Posted
on May 7, 2007 at 12:59:34 PM by Barbara Taylor
A Warbling Vireo has arrived at the Bracebridge Ponds. It was singing near the NW
corner of cell 4 around noon today. The Northern Waterthrush which had been
singing there on Saturday chose to be silent today.
New arrivals
Posted
on May 7, 2007 at 08:26:28 AM by sam robinson
The Brown Thrashers and Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks returned to our garden on Dill
Street in Bracebridge yesterday.
Whippoorwill, Bala
Posted
on May 7, 2007 at 05:52:54 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
Awakened at 5 am this morning by the welcome call of a Whippoorwill outside my
window. This is the 7-8 year I have heard them here.
Bird Board will be offline
briefly....
Posted
on May 6, 2007 at 04:46:16 PM by Barbara
Taylor
The Bird Board hosting service will soon be doing a bit of maintenance which
may require a few hours downtime. If you try to reach the board during that
time you will see a message advising you when it will be back online. All
recent posts can be viewed on the back-up
webpage during the brief downtime.
The Nature Photos Board is currently offline as it is now undergoing the
maintenance.
Solitary Sandpipers
Posted
on May 6, 2007 at 02:14:59 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Don and Bev Bailey report two Solitary Sandpipers at the Bracebridge Ponds this
morning - one in cell 3 and the other in cell 4. Bracebridge
Ponds map
Bala Update
Posted
on May 6, 2007 at 01:49:17 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
New arrivals at Ragged Rapids Rd. this morning - 2 Least Flycatchers.
Pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks arrive here a few minutes ago!
Algonquin Park
Posted
on May 6, 2007 at 01:48:14 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Bruce Di Labio on ONTBIRDS (May 6, 2007)
and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Yesterday, May 5, did a quick run through Algonquin Park. The most productive
area was Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake where 1 Boreal Chickadee and 2
Black-backed Woodpecker were observed along the old railway bed. Also present
were small numbers of Evening Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill
and Pine Siskin. Warblers were few with Yellow-rumped scattered around and a
few Pine warbler and Nashville Warbler. At Spruce Bog 1 male Black-backed
Woodpecker was observed and 1 male Spruce Grouse near the gate along Opeongo
Road.
good birding, Bruce
Big East River
Posted
on May 5, 2007 at 10:51:55 PM by Kip Daynard
Just returned from an overnight canoe trip on the Big East river from Distress
Lake to Arrowhead Provincial Park. Over this stretch of 25kms or so of river I
counted the following:
8 Spotted Sandpipers* (in pairs or individually - more common on rockier upper
section of river)
16 Least Sandpipers* (in small groups of 2 to 6 - found on sandy bars and muddy
banks more in lower section)
4 Northern Rough-winged Swallows* (nest-building in bank)
1 Tree Swallow
33 Yellow-rumped Warblers
1 Nashville Warbler*
4 Northern Waterthrush
1 Eastern Kingbird*
5 Belted Kingfishers
3 Wood Ducks
16+ Common Mergansers
1 Osprey* (Distress Lake)
2 Broad-winged Hawks
2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets
2 Golden-crowned Kinglets
1 Brown Creeper
6 White-throated Sparrows (one sang at our campsite until well after midnight)
etc.
(* first of season for me)
Correction;Lagoons
Posted
on May 6, 2007 at 03:04:03 PM by Allan Aubin
For the sake of accuracy: During our Lagoon Walk yesterday we did see
Buffleheads as well as Lesser Scaup.
Bracebridge Lagoons
Posted
on May 5, 2007 at 08:32:02 PM by Allan Aubin
Thirteen of us met at Kerr’s Park today for the annual Lagoon Walk. We also
covered Henry’s Marsh. The best sightings were in the marsh. Many excellent birders
attended, and we were pleased when Barbara Taylor joined us. As well, Melissa
Kosowan an assistant editor with the Osprey Group of Publications made the trek
and was accompanied with a photographer. She promises a write-up in the
“Cottage Times” May 17.
It was somewhat cool and somewhat breezy but clear and sunny.
We had a plethora of spotting scopes but a dearth of ducks. In all, we recorded
38 species. Highlights included the following:
A persistently singing Northern Waterthrush
A Greater Yellowlegs which calmly posed for the photographer
At least two Great Blue Herons
A Pied-billed Grebe
And to end the day, Janice House spied a Bluebird in the park
Only one diving duck was spotted, a Lesser Scaup. Puddle ducks seen were
Mallards, Wood Ducks and Blue-winged Teal. Other than the waterthrush only a
Yellow-rumped warbler was heard.
Re(1): RTHU
Posted
on May 7, 2007 at 10:37:01 AM by Kip Daynard
A neighbour reported the first hummingbird arrival to Bay Lake yesterday (May
6).
Re(1): RTHU
Posted
on May 6, 2007 at 11:18:27 AM by kvpray
We also had our first Hummingbird at our feeder May 5th. Looking back in my diary
one appeared on May 5th 2006. Virginia Pray Port Carling
RTHU
Posted
on May 5, 2007 at 03:12:06 PM by Wilf Yusek
Had my first Ruby-throated Hummingbird at my feeders today, nice male. Prospect
Lake.
Snakes, Bala
Posted
on May 5, 2007 at 06:12:23 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
Last Wedsnesday, during a yard cleanup, a Smooth Green Snake and a Dekay's
Brown Snake were found in the leaf litter on my septic bed. The bed is planted
with a Prairie Wildflower mix and is only cleaned up every 2-3 years. The
cleanup opened up lots of spots for nesting turtles!
Ragged Rapids Rd, Bala, Update
Posted
on May 5, 2007 at 06:09:15 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
Yesterday morning, though quiet, a couple of Black-throated green warbler and a
couple of Black & Whites were welcome additions.
Re(1): Bumblebees
Posted
on May 6, 2007 at 07:07:15 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Bob Bowles tells me that Bombus tenarius is common and the only orange-banded
one in the East while Bombus huntii tends to be more western.
Barb Staples sent me this photo
of one she had at Sunny Lake last fall.
Bumblebees
Posted
on May 4, 2007 at 05:00:53 PM by Barbara
Taylor
There were two of these pretty bumblebees in our garden this afternoon on the
Scilla. Appears to be Bombus ternarius, the Red-tailed Bumble Bee, according to
diagrams on this Michigan entomology webpage. Does anyone know if there are
other orange-banded bumblebees in our area? (Bracebridge)
Re(1): Northern Waterthrush
Posted
on May 5, 2007 at 05:12:58 PM by Barbara
Taylor
One was singing this morning at the Bracebridge Ponds in the wet woods to the
north of cell 4 near the west end - same spot as last year. Allan Aubin heard
it calling there on Thursday, May 3.
Northern Waterthrush - Bay Lake
Posted
on May 4, 2007 at 09:16:28 AM by Kip Daynard
First of the season heard today at a traditional territory near my house.
Green Heron, Fox
Posted
on May 3, 2007 at 02:07:33 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Today around noon there was a Green Heron catching minnows in the little stream
north of the bridge at Henry Marsh. A Red Fox was hunting in the meadow next to
the Trans Canada plant entrance along Beaumont Dr. (Bracebridge)
Hooded Merganser
Posted
on May 2, 2007 at 11:26:03 PM by terry
& marion whittam
We are seeing a lot more hooded mergansers this spring...including this
photogenic guy with a twinkle in his eye!
Blue Grosbeak not seen since Friday
Posted
on May 6, 2007 at 11:39:51 AM by Kip Daynard
It may still be around, but to my knowledge the Blue Grosbeak reported
previously has not been seen since Friday afternoon. I was away yesterday but
several birders searched in my absence. I looked for an hour or so this morning
with no luck.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=45%C2%B030'2.11|2N+79%C2%B012'8.24|2W&ie=UTF8&ll=45.500572,-79.202328&spn=0.041871,0.059824&t=h&z=14&iwloc=addr&om=1
DIRECTIONS
From Huntsville take Hwy 11 north about 10 minutes. At Novar take Hwy #592
North about 5 minutes. At Bay Lake Rd., turn right and follow for about 10
minutes keeping to Bay Lake Rd. The Grosbeak has been seen between #1380 and
#1451.
Re(1): Blue Grosbeak is still here!
Posted
on May 4, 2007 at 12:43:59 PM by Kip Daynard
I just saw the Grosbeak again with Martin and Kathy Parker at 12:25pm. It was
very close to where it was seen this morning - between #1454 and #1464 on both
sides of the road. It was quite low down, perching just a few feet off the
ground.
Re(1): Blue Grosbeak is still here!
Posted
on May 4, 2007 at 01:12:52 PM by Dawn
Sherman
Trish Healy and I were lucky enough to run into Jim this morning who located
the bird and shared a view through his scope with us. Thanks again Jim!
Blue Grosbeak is still here!
Posted
on May 4, 2007 at 10:28:36 AM by Kip Daynard
I've just been told by Jim Fairchild that he saw the Grosbeak at the same
location (1451 Bay Lake Rd.) just 5 minutes ago. Apparently two other birders
saw it as well.
Re(2): Blue Grosbeak Relocated
Posted
on May 4, 2007 at 09:42:43 AM by Kip Daynard
Thanks for the analysis and info, Al.
This bird also showed much more pronounced black on the lores and around
(especially below) the bill than I've ever seen in Indigo Buntings. This is
visible in the third photo.
It also exhibited a tail flicking behaviour which I understand is
characteristic of this species.
Jim Fairchild and I searched this morning for about an hour with no luck. I've
had to start my work day, but I believe Jim is still out searching.
Re(1): Blue Grosbeak Relocated
Posted
on May 3, 2007 at 06:05:29 PM by Al
Sinclair
Great find! Too bad it's not in Muskoka (I don't keep a Parry Sound list).
Reports of Blue Grosbeak in the spring are usually written off by the sceptics
as just an Indigo Bunting that still has some brown on the wings. In this case
the photos are convincing despite the poor quality. The shape and proportions of
the body are right, the brown on the wing is in the right areas and the tail
appears to have a white spot at both corners of the bottom edge (a field mark
shown in Sibley). Looks to me like your report the Rare Bird committee should
be accepted, possibly a first from the Parry Sound District. Please keep us
informed if it stays in the area.
BTW I know of two reports of this species in Muskoka in recent years, one
turned out to be an Indigo Bunting when a photo was examined, the other was not
confirmed, no photo taken.
Re(1): Blue Grosbeak at Bay Lake!
Posted
on May 3, 2007 at 08:00:54 PM by Stan
Fairchild
I saw the Blue Grosbeak at 5.pm today. It was in the same location you reported
lot 1451. It flew two lots farther up but did not come down close enough to get
a picture.
GOOD BIRD THANKS
Blue Grosbeak Relocated
Posted
on May 3, 2007 at 10:13:06 AM by Kip Daynard
I relocated the Blue Grosbeak again this morning at 8:45am and 9:10am. It seems
to be sticking to a peninsula which sticks into the middle of Bay Lake which
seems to act as a mini migrant trap. Today it was seen between #1441 and #1451
Bay Lake Rd. first on the south side of the road, then on the north. I lost it
around 9:15am.
Google
Maps Link
Blue Grosbeak at Bay Lake!
Posted
on May 2, 2007 at 10:49:06 PM by Kip Daynard
At 6:30PM this evening, while eating dinner, my wife and I noticed an unusual
bluish bird out the living room window. To my amazement I found it to be an
adult male BLUE GROSBEAK!
I managed to snap off some hand-held photos (see below). Alas they are quite
blurry but its chestnut wing-bars and stout bill are just visible. photo1
photo2
photo3
Unfortunately, the bird disappeared while I was retrieving my tripod. An hour
or more of searching failed to relocate it. I'll certainly repost if it turns
up again. A report will be submitted to the OBRC.
DIRECTIONS
From Huntsville take Hwy 11 north about 10 minutes. At Novar take Hwy 592 North
about 5 minutes. At Bay Lake Rd., turn right and follow for about 10 minutes
keeping to Bay Lake Rd. The Grosbeak was seen at #1380 to the north side of the
house.
Kip Daynard
RR1 Emsdale
More Barred Owls
Posted
on May 2, 2007 at 09:48:12 PM by terry &
marion whittam
Friday April 26th we stopped to listen to the spring frog chorus 10km east of
Washago. Unprompted 2 Barred owls started their frantic crys! They then settled
into their normal calling. Saturday April 27th we returned and once again the
pair was calling back and forth.
Owl Howl results
Posted
on May 2, 2007 at 09:06:29 PM by terry
& marion whittam
Marion, Terry, Bob, Judy and Dan Whittam did our annual Owl howl survey down Big
Chute road April 21, 2007. The route takes us from Muskoka down into Simcoe
County. We had a record 12 Barred Owls at 5 of 10 stops with a big response at
stop #6 with a record 5 Barred Owls responding. Lots of Spring peepers, Western
Chorus and Wood frogs at every stop. Weather 7C and little wind.
American Wigeons, Green Heron
Posted
on May 2, 2007 at 12:17:40 PM by Barbara Taylor
Don Bailey reports this morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there were two pair of
American Wigeon, a Green Heron, and a little unidentified shorebird flying from
cell 4 towards cell 1. No Yellowlegs were seen.
Ragged Rapids RD, Bala
Posted
on May 2, 2007 at 10:33:21 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
This morning there was a little more bird song along Ragged Rapids Rd. than
yesterday. Winter Wrens, Blue-headed Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Pine
Warbler, a surprise to me was a Northern Waterthrush, Yellow-bellied
Sapsuckers, Chipping, Song, Swamp and White-throated Sparrows. Wakerobins in
bloom, Dutchman's Breeches, Trailing Arbutus.
Re(1): Lagoon directions
Posted
on May 3, 2007 at 04:01:35 PM by Wayne
Bridge
Thanks, Kip for this and the hummingbird advice. Wayne
Lagoon directions
Posted
on May 3, 2007 at 01:53:13 PM by Kip Daynard
When coming from the south, exit Hwy 11 at Hwy 520 (Ontario St.) and follow
into the centre of town. Turn right on Yonge St. and follow this across the
bridge over the South Magnetewan River. After crossing the railway tracks, take
a left on Lagoon Lane. The lagoon is at the end. I recommend parking your car a
few hundred feet from the end so you don't disturb any waterfowl on the ponds.
Re(1): Burk's Falls Lagoon etc.
Posted
on May 3, 2007 at 11:43:18 AM by Wayne
Bridge
Hi Kip. Could you pass along directions to the Burks Falls lagoon? Thanks,
Wayne.
Re(1): Burk's Falls Lagoon etc.
Posted
on May 2, 2007 at 10:11:39 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
Could have been Sora Rail as we had them on Manitoulin near Gore Bay last
Wednesday.
Burk's Falls Lagoon etc.
Posted
on May 1, 2007 at 11:06:23 PM by Kip Daynard
This morning I visited the Burk's Falls lagoon and found the following:
1 Green-winged Teal
12 Bufflehead
9 Wood Duck
4 Mallard
6 Canada Geese
3 Ruby-crowned Kinglets
1 Swamp Sparrow
1 Eastern Meadowlark
2 White-throated Sparrows
2 Savannah Sparrows
1 Northern Harrier (female)
4 Turkey Vultures
etc.
I also heard what I thought might perhaps be a Rail but the call sounded
atypical to my ears and was given only twice. I can best describe it as
'keeeek' but to my knowledge sounding far too drawn-out to be a Virginia Rail
and a bit too flat (and early!) to be a Sora, although Sora would be my best
guess.
On the south side of town on Legitt's Rd. I found:
4 Tree Swallows
7 Barn Swallows
1 Brown Thrasher
28 American Robins (in one small field)
152 Canada Geese flying in one long skein
Re(2): hummingbird question
Posted
on May 2, 2007 at 07:59:11 AM by Alex Mills
Things seem to be early this year, with the first sightings of Rose-breasted
Grosbeaks and House Wren already in Simcoe County. There have been scattered
late April hummingbird sightings this year in Ontario, including one near
Elliot Lake before the first of May!
If you check Barbara Taylor's March 21 posting on this Muskoka Bird Board
(Spring migration ...hawk watch reports) you can find a link she recommends
that documents the arrival of hummers.
Re(1): hummingbird question
Posted
on May 1, 2007 at 11:26:35 PM by Kip Daynard
Hi Wayne,
The first hummers typically arrive at Bay Lake the week of May 15th-20th. I
believe the early date for Algonquin is May 5th. So, I'd say early next week
should definitely catch the first arrivals.
The Journey North site already shows sightings as far north as the Sault and by
the look of it even Temiskaming!
Journey
North - 2007 Hummingbird Map
Bird Board Update
Posted
on May 1, 2007 at 09:50:33 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Thanks to everyone for all your reports. All posts for April are now available
in the Archived Reports. Just a reminder to bookmark the back-up
webpage. Important notices will be posted there in the event of any
problems with the Bird Board hosting service, and there is also a copy of all
recent posts.
Need help posting photos? Find instructions and do a test post on the Nature Photos Board.
New to the Bird Board? See the Posting
Guidelines for helpful tips about using the board.
I try to monitor the Bird Board on a regular basis. If you want to bring
something to my attention, just send me an email and I'll get back to you as
soon as possible.
Barbara Taylor
muskoka_birder@hotmail.com
Milbert's Tortoiseshell
Posted
on April 30, 2007 at 06:47:11 PM by janice house
Moira spotted the butterfly as were walking along the west side of cell 3 at
the Bracebridge Ponds Sunday at 4:30pm
Whip-poor-will and Sping Azure
Posted
on April 30, 2007 at 10:11:18 AM by Ron
Stager
A whip-poor-will gave a brief!!! call last night. I guess it is time to put up
(oops, clean and fill) the hummingbird feeders. Several spring azure
(butterflies) around our house on Sunday (both lucia and marginata forms) First
black fly yesterday ( there was one mosquito about a week earlier but I hadn't
seen or heard one since).
round bardsville
Posted
on April 30, 2007 at 07:12:10 AM by gerald
willmott
Yesterday (Sunday) on a leisurely bike around Muskoka I heard and then saw a
Yellow-rumped Warbler on the Butter'n Egg road, a pair of Kestrels and several
Flickers at the Beatrice Town Line, and a Broad-wing Hawk where Windemere road
meets Muskoka #4. Down Windemere Road there were Meadow Larks, and Savannah
Sparrows.
A great day!
Gerald
Beaumaris
Re(2): posting photos...
Posted
on April 30, 2007 at 11:22:00 AM by Barbara
Taylor
There are some instructions about posting photos on the Nature Photos Board. You can try a test post there if you'd
like.
Re(1): Spring in Magnetawan
Posted
on April 30, 2007 at 08:13:32 AM by Wayne
Bridge
Thank you for sharing your pictures - I haven't figured out how to do that yet.
Spring in Magnetawan
Posted
on April 29, 2007 at 08:30:23 PM by Peter
Mills
Enjoyed a long weekend up at Magnetawan, Parry Sound and saw lots of beautiful
spring life:
247 Spotted Salamanders 46 Red-spotted Newts
Some early Bloodroot – photo1 photo2
Lots of mosquito larvae in vernal pools....the coming storm.
Trout Lily Displaying Woodcock
And finally, a juvenile Red-bellied Snake.
Re(2): Lesser Yellowlegs, no
Long-tailed Ducks
Posted
on April 29, 2007 at 02:11:15 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning Sam Robinson and I could not find the Long-tailed Ducks. The male
Northern Shoveler was still in cell 1. A male Green-winged Teal was in cell 2
along with several Lesser Scaup. A couple of Lesser Yellowlegs have joined the
four Greater Yellowlegs in cell 3. A Ring-necked Duck was in cell 4. Two Ospreys
flew overhead, heading north. Two Belted Kingfishers were chattering north of
cell 4. Bracebridge
Ponds map
At the Henry Marsh there were four Ring-necked Ducks, and a pair of Wood Ducks.
Not even one Swallow seen today. Three Turkey Vultures flew along the ridge
south of the marsh, while two Cranes soared away to the north. They had to be
Sandhill Cranes because of their size, and the overall grayish look to them
when first seen at lower altitude. But as they soared higher and turned, the
sun hit them a certain way, making them appear quite white with black
wingtips...wishfully hoping for wayward Whooping Cranes. :)
(Henry Marsh is accessed from Henry Rd. which is west of Kerr Park along
Beaumont Dr., Bracebridge)
Re(1): Long-tailed Ducks, Northern
Shoveler
Posted
on April 28, 2007 at 03:11:34 PM by ron
tozer
Additional birds at the lagoons this morning included: Double-crested Cormorant
(2 flying over), Blue-winged Teal (pair), Northern Shoveler (pair), Greater
Yellowlegs (4 in Cell 3), and Brown Thrasher (1 at Kerr Park). At Henry Marsh,
there were several Tree Swallows and Barn Swallows, plus a pair of Northern
Rough-winged Swallows.
Long-tailed Ducks, Northern Shoveler
Posted
on April 28, 2007 at 12:31:49 PM by Barbara
Taylor
As of 12:15 p.m. there is a pair of Long-tailed Ducks and a male Northern Shoveler
in cell 1 at the Bracebridge Ponds. Thanks to Ron Tozer and others we met at
Henry marsh for the tip. Bracebridge
Ponds map
kingfisher
Posted
on April 28, 2007 at 09:11:35 AM by gerald
willmott
Last evening about dusk, which came exceptionally early with the mist, a male
King Fisher caught three fish, bashed their heads against what was handy and
gulp them down. It was a short spring for those fishies. Also last night and
this a.m. a cormorant has flown overhead. Tree swallows are nesting in boxes,
and the Blue Bird, which I had been keeping an eye on has not been heard since
last weekend. Oh, Ruby Crown Kinglets have been calling out mighty songs.
Gerald
Beaumaris
Re(1): Fox
Posted
on April 29, 2007 at 01:14:48 AM by gerald
willmott
Gary, I saw that fox! It was at the bottom of the 10th tee. Ran up the ashpalt
path towards the maintenance sheds. Where do you think its den would be?
Gerald
Fox
Posted
on April 27, 2007 at 06:34:18 PM by Gary
Kaye
I saw for the first time a very big shiney bushy tailed fox carrying what
appeared to be a very large rabbit. I have seen lots of both, but not quite
like this time. The fox was spotted on Beaumaris Island on Thursday April 26. I
watched and followed him for about 200 yards. He was very clearly travelling
back to his den with enough determination that was was not going to let me
bother him, so I didn't.
swans
Posted
on April 27, 2007 at 06:20:38 PM by Gary
Kaye
At 6:15 on Friday 27, 2007 a very large, very white single Mute Swan swam past
my front door in Milford Bay
Muskoka Field Naturalists - next
meeting May 3
Posted
on April 27, 2007 at 01:47:57 PM by Barbara
Taylor
From the WAKEROBIN - Newsletter of the Muskoka Field Naturalists
May 3, Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Gravenhurst
"The Carden Alvar and its Birds!" by David A. Homer, retired
university teacher/senior administrator and Carden resident. The presentation
traces the natural history of the Carden Alvar; introduces its distinctive plants
and insects; outlines its threats and what is being done about them; and
finally presents a survey of the grassland and unique birds of the area
utilizing the outstanding photographic images of Wildlife Photographer Larry
Kirtley.
Visitors welcome to attend. Meetings from February thru June will be held at
7:30 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Gravenhurst, corner of First and Brock
Streets (across from Giant Tiger). Membership Information & Program
Updates: MFN website
Algonquin Park bird report: 26 April
Posted
on April 27, 2007 at 09:30:17 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 27, 2007)
and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
The following summarizes the birding situation in Algonquin
Provincial Park for northern species during the past week. THIS
IS THE FINAL WEEKLY REPORT FOR THIS YEAR.
NEW INFORMATION SINCE LAST WEEK IS PRESENTED
AT THE START OF EACH SPECIES OR SECTION BELOW.
Ice:
The ice went out of the last large lakes (including Opeongo) on
Sunday (April 22).
Roads:
The Arowhon Road is expected to be open to the public again
this week.
Moose:
A few are becoming regular along the highway, especially
in early morning and evening.
Spruce Grouse:
Displaying males and females (some calling) were observed at
Spruce Bog and Opeongo Road (near gate and at north end) this
week.
American Three-toed Woodpecker:
None were reported this week. It is probable that this woodpecker
is returning northward now. In previous irruptions, some have
lingered here into mid-May, or later.
Black-backed Woodpecker:
A female near Post 9 on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and one on a utility
pole at Cache Lake, were observed on April 21. One was at km 8 on
April 22. Another was near the East Gate warehouse on April 24.
Gray Jay:
Birds were seen at Spruce Bog and along Opeongo Road this week.
Boreal Chickadee:
Four or five were observed in the black spruce area along the north
end of Opeongo Road on April 21.
Purple Finch:
Widespread, often singing.
Red Crossbill:
About 15 were noted by one birder along the highway on April 24,
as numbers dramatically decline.
White-winged Crossbill:
Only a few birds, some still singing, were observed along the highway
this week. A birder on April 24 reported only 4.
Pine Siskin:
Still common, with many singing and displaying. A few still on the
road, but most salt has been washed away now.
Evening Grosbeak:
A few were seen at the West Gate feeder, Mew Lake, and the Visitor
Centre feeder.
As always, please let us know the date, number and location of birds you
observe when you visit Algonquin Park. In particular, we would like your
assistance with spring arrival dates. Please add your sightings to the
sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby.
Your bird sightings information is stored in the Algonquin Visitor Centre
database, and will help us to assist other birders visiting the Park.
Thanks.
Good birding.
Ron Tozer (retired Algonquin Park Naturalist)
Dwight, Ontario
Directions:
Algonquin 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 on Highway 60 in the park go from the West Gate
(km 0) to the East Gate (km 56). Permits and information are available
daily at both gates throughout the winter. The free Algonquin 2007
Information Guide has a map showing the location of sites mentioned in
this report.
The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting on
April 28. Recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found
there.
Broad-winged Hawks - Bay Lake
Posted
on April 26, 2007 at 12:30:20 PM by Kip Daynard
First Broad-wings of the season arrived at Bay Lake today. During a 45 minute
walk I saw two individuals - an adult and an immature, both light-phase. On
the subject of phases, I understand dark-phase Broad-Wings are extremely
uncommon in the east, perhaps numbering just 1 in 50,000. Anyone seen any or
know of any records in this area?
Greater Yellowlegs - Bracebridge
Ponds
Posted
on April 25, 2007 at 12:25:32 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds there was a Greater Yellowlegs about half
way along the north shore of cell 3. It flew up and circled around, calling
several times, and eventually landed at the south-east shore of cell 3. There
weren't any new species of ducks but the numbers are growing. I counted 260
Bufflehead, 12 Lesser Scaup, 10 Wood Ducks, 2 Ring-necked Ducks, and a pair of
Green-winged Teal. An Eastern Meadowlark was singing at Kerr Park. Bracebridge
Ponds map
White Winged Crossbills
Posted
on April 25, 2007 at 07:18:33 AM by janice house
Moira reports the female crossbill has been gathering material from her
driveway, believes they are nesting in her yard (Houston Rd., NE of
Bracebridge)
Magnetawan
Posted
on April 24, 2007 at 09:05:59 PM by Alex Mills
I was in Magnetawan today and heard my first Yellow-rumped Warbler of the
spring singing there.
While driving there from Huntsville, I saw only one Tree Swallow.
Tree Swallows
Posted
on April 24, 2007 at 02:35:32 PM by J.
Gardner
Our tree swallows have been here in Hurdville for several days. But, we feel
that their numbers are down from past years. They are getting down to nesting
quickly.
White-throated Sparrows, Pied-billed
Grebe
Posted
on April 24, 2007 at 12:17:23 PM by Barbara
Taylor
There was a Pied-billed Grebe at Henry marsh this morning. Three Barn Swallows
swooped back and forth over the marsh, but still no Tree Swallows. A
Sharp-shinned Hawk and two Turkey Vultures flew overhead, heading north.
A few White-throated Sparrows were in full song along the new trail that
follows the Muskoka River from the end of Wilson's Falls Rd. towards the new
Sportsplex. There were also several Golden-crowned Kinglets, Ruby-crowned
Kinglets, and a couple of Yellow-rumped Warblers. Two Red-tailed Hawks and a
Broad-winged Hawk soared overhead. So far today has been great for hawk
migration! (Bracebridge)
Blue-headed Vireo, Yellow-Rumped
Warbler etc. - Bay Lake
Posted
on April 23, 2007 at 10:42:05 AM by Kip Daynard
The beautiful warm weekend brought 10 new arrival species to our neck of the
woods. Its amazing what three sunny 20+ degree days can bring...
New Arrivals this morning
1 Blue-headed Vireo
1 Yellow-rumped Warbler
1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
2 Tree Swallows
1 Belted Kingfisher
1 Chipping Sparrow
1 White-throated Sparrow
1 Eastern Phoebe (late)
1 Common Loon (flying over)
2 Northern Flicker (Apr 21 is pretty late - 2004 early date was Mar 30)
Others
10 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Apr 18)
1 Dark-eyed Junco
2 White-winged Crossbill
1 Golden-crowned Kinglet
2 Bufflehead
3 Mallard
51 Canada Geese
1 Pileated Woodpecker
4 Ruffed Grouse
3 Winter Wren
2 Song Sparrow
12+ Pine Siskin
6 American Goldfinch
etc..
The Saw-whet owl is still here in our nest box and was tooting virtually
non-stop the last three nights from 9:30pm to 5:30am!
First Broad-winged
Hawk...Bracebridge
Posted
on April 22, 2007 at 06:27:07 PM by Al
Sinclair
At 5pm today April 22, our first Broad-winged Hawk of the year circled low over
the house and called a couple of times to announce his return. It's tempting to
think that it was one of the birds that nested near here last year dropping in
to say hello. Our first last year was April 17. Hwy 118E 8km east of
Bracebridge.
Re(1): birds
Posted
on April 22, 2007 at 08:43:19 PM by janice house
update from Skeleton Lake, pair of hood mergansers in the bay 7:pm
birds
Posted
on April 22, 2007 at 02:31:56 PM by janice house
just came back from Moira's house, sapsucker, pair of white winged crossbills
and heard a winter wren on the Old Falconburg Rd, continued on to Skeleton Lake
Rd 3, Dad reports 4 common mergansers, a loon, while we were sitting on the
deck, the winter wren sang, and we heard a red shouldered hawk and the barred
owl calling
Re(1): OFO Trip: Algonquin Park (21
April)
Posted
on April 23, 2007 at 03:01:36 PM by Wayne
Bridge
Thanks Ron, I always look forward to your Algonquin updates. Today I saw a
couple barn swallows over our yard in Kearney - no tree swallows that I've
seen.
OFO Trip: Algonquin Park (21 April)
Posted
on April 22, 2007 at 12:19:40 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 21, 2007)
and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
Forty-one OFO members and friends enjoyed a wonderful warm (22
degrees C.) birding trip in Algonquin Park today. As with previous OFO
trips here, our primary goal was to find the boreal species that birders
regularly seek in the Park. In the process, we were treated to a very
pleasant day of birding, with 57 species being tallied by the group.
A male and female Spruce Grouse were observed well by everyone north of
the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. This was a lifer for several
people. A female Black-backed Woodpecker near Post 9 on that trail, and
another of these often elusive woodpeckers on a utility pole at Cache Lake,
were enjoyed by many members of the group, but missed by many others,
unfortunately. Four or five Boreal Chickadees at the north end of Opeongo
Road allowed fleeting views for most observers. As is often the case with
this chickadee, they were often frustratingly well-hidden in the black
spruce trees. Gray Jays were fed on Opeongo Road, near their nest where
large young will be fledging very soon. Common Ravens often flew over for
identification comparison with American Crows. Despite extensive searching
of areas where American Three-toed Woodpeckers have been observed
recently, we were unable to find one today; most of these boreal woodpeckers
may have headed back north following the largest winter irruption on record
in Algonquin Park.
First observations of this spring in Algonquin today included Osprey (two),
Sharp-shinned Hawk, Horned Lark (northern race), Vesper Sparrow, and
Savannah Sparrow. A rather early Barn Swallow at the West Gate was
seen there first on Friday. Interestingly, there still have been no Tree
Swallow sightings in Algonquin this spring, likely reflecting the increasing
scarcity of this aerial forager here, plus the extensive mortality among
migrant Tree Swallows that has occurred during cold weather this month.
Thanks again to all those who attended. It was a magnificent day to be out
birding.
Ron
beaumaris
Posted
on April 22, 2007 at 08:55:04 AM by gerald
willmott
This weekend the sapsuckers and flickers arrived. Also I flushed pair of Wood
Ducks from a tree cavity. A red oak with a large opening facing east about 60
feet or more up. Too bad they will not stay as it is on an busy access road.
Yet there is a pond nearby. The blue bird is still here, yet he has not chosen
a nest box. Each day he is at the top of a tree calling for a mate, and while
he is doing this tree swallows have taken 2 of the 5 boxes. I wonder when the
females show up.
Gerald
Re(1): Leopard Frogs
Posted
on April 23, 2007 at 11:23:12 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Last evening there were a few Leopard
Frogs calling west of cell 3 at the Bracebridge Ponds. You could hardly
hear them because of the many Spring Peepers and Wood Frogs calling as well.
Coltsfoot and Wood Frogs
Posted
on April 21, 2007 at 02:07:01 PM by Barbara
Taylor
There weren't many ducks at the Bracebridge Ponds this morning. A pair of
Green-winged Teal have joined the few Scaup, Buffleheads, Wood Ducks, and
Mallards in cell 2. A Hermit Thrush was near the Lagoon Lane gate, a Killdeer
was at the east end of cell 3, and a Red-tailed Hawk soared overhead. There
were Wood Frogs and Spring Peepers calling north of cell 4. Here's a good
website to help identify frogs and their calls: http://www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond/frogs.asp.
At the Henry marsh there were no ducks. A Belted Kingfisher flew over the
marsh, a Northern Flicker was calling nearby, and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
was "knocking" loudly. A butterfly landed amidst a large clump of Coltsfoot
that is in bloom by the "T" in the trail - it appeared to be a
Milbert's Tortoiseshell.
Sand Hill Crane
Posted
on April 21, 2007 at 01:28:43 PM by Carol
Wagg
We heard and then saw our first sand hill crane of the season here today about
noon. It flew over the usual landing sites, but did not land. They can
frequently be seen in the fields across the road from us at 1611 Doe Lake Road.
Last year the first sand hills we saw were a group of 4.
sapsucker, finally
Posted
on April 21, 2007 at 11:30:52 AM by Wayne
Bridge
Kearney: I was beginning to despair of having any yellow-bellied sapsuckers
arrive in Kearney this spring! Remember, we are quite a bit north and UP (i.e.
highland area) of Doe Lake Road, Gravenhurst (for example). Flickers arrived a
couple days ago and today we finally had a sapsucker out back. No spring
peepers yet, though. [I find it quite interesting to track the northward move
of things on this web site! Sapsuckers and peepers for example. We don't get
cardinals up here - yet.]
cardinal/bittern/catbird
Posted
on April 20, 2007 at 08:06:11 PM by janice house
A bittern circled the yard this morning about 6:30, I have been watching a male
cardinal since 6:30 pm he just flew off, and a catbird was calling tonight. We
very rarely have cardinals. The longest they have been here is 2 weeks in the
spring. (Doe Lake Rd.)
Vesper Sparrow
Posted
on April 20, 2007 at 08:00:58 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Earlier today we had two Chipping Sparrows come to our feeder – the first this
year. While I watched them I was sure I heard the call of a Vesper Sparrow,
but couldn't see it. Right now the Vesper Sparrow is feeding on our front lawn!
(96 Glendale Rd., Bracebridge)
Chipping Sparrow, Bala
Posted
on April 20, 2007 at 07:53:00 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
First Chipping Sparrow I have seen was at my feeder this afternoon.
Algonquin Park Bird Report: 19 April
Posted
on April 20, 2007 at 09:23:22 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 20, 2007)
and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
The following summarizes the birding situation in Algonquin
Provincial Park for northern species during the past week.
NEW INFORMATION SINCE LAST WEEK IS PRESENTED
AT THE START OF EACH SPECIES OR SECTION BELOW.
Snow and Ice:
Only remaining snow is in small remnant patches in deep shade,
but it is wet and muddy in many places. Ice is breaking up in
smaller lakes and ponds due to breezy warm days this week.
Moose:
Very few being seen at puddles along the highway.
Northern Saw-whet Owl:
Single owls were heard at km 4, 6, 10, 12, 14 and 16 during an
owl survey from the West Gate to km 18 on the evening of April
19. This species is heard in good numbers on owl surveys every
four years here, and 2007 is such a year. This periodicity is likely
related to prey abundance. Saw-whets were present in numbers this
past winter here, although usually most likely migrate southward.
Barred Owl:
This owl was heard at km 2, 16 and 18 during the owl survey on
April 19.
Spruce Grouse:
Displaying males and females (some calling) were observed at
Spruce Bog and Opeongo Road (near gate and at north end) this
week. Prime time for viewing has started.
American Three-toed Woodpecker:
A female was observed at the kettle bog of Spruce Bog Boardwalk
trail on April 13. Another bird was behind the washrooms near the
entrance to that trail on April 14. A female was NW of the register
box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on April 19.
Listening for the relatively quiet tapping sounds made by the American
Three-toed as it flakes off bark is the best way to find them.
Black-backed Woodpecker:
One was reported along Opeongo Road north of the Costello Creek
culvert on April 14, and there were three observed along that road
on April 19 (two near the gate and one south of there).
Gray Jay:
Birds were seen at Spruce Bog and along Opeongo Road this week.
Boreal Chickadee:
One group of birders reported at least a dozen in the black spruce area
along the north end of Opeongo Road on April 19.
Purple Finch:
Numerous, with many singing.
Red Crossbill:
Fewer on the road this week, but one group reported over 50 during a
day of birding on April 19.
White-winged Crossbill:
A significant drop in numbers on the road, but a party birding all day
on April 19 reported seeing at least 25.
Pine Siskin:
Still very common, with lesser numbers on the road but many singing
and displaying.
Evening Grosbeak:
The week began with about a dozen at the Visitor Centre feeders, but
the number was down to three on April 19. Dispersal of the large flock
present all winter was fairly rapid once warmer temperatures arrived.
Note: Rock Lake Road has been re-opened to public travel. Due to
wet and muddy places on the Arowhon Road, it will remain closed,
likely for a couple more weeks. Your patience is appreciated.
As always, please let us know the date, number and location of birds you
observe when you visit Algonquin Park. In particular, we would like your
assistance with spring arrival dates. Please add your sightings to the
sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby.
Your bird sightings information is stored in the Algonquin Visitor Centre
database, and will help us to assist other birders visiting the Park.
Thanks.
Good birding.
Ron Tozer (retired Algonquin Park Naturalist)
Dwight, Ontario
Directions:
Algonquin 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 on Highway 60 in the park go from the West Gate
(km 0) to the East Gate (km 56). Permits and information are available
daily at both gates throughout the winter. The free Algonquin 2006
Information Guide has a map showing the location of sites mentioned in
this report.
The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Recent
bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found there. Contact
staff via the Visitor Centre service entrance during working hours on
weekdays for access to view the feeders.
Killdeer/Kingfisher
Posted
on April 19, 2007 at 09:22:22 PM by janice house
heard a Killdeer tonight at dusk in our yard (Doe Lake Rd). Moira saw a
Kingfisher at Hillman Lake today.(Houston Rd off Falconburg Rd north of
Bracebridge)
Bats
Posted
on April 19, 2007 at 09:05:09 PM by Doug
Smith
Tonight we saw 2 bats out over a swampy area, hawking what insects they could
find. I'm assuming they were little brown bats, but I couldn't be sure.
"The Infant" moths flying...photo
Posted
on April 19, 2007 at 07:27:49 PM by Al
Sinclair
Yesterday afternoon a moth called "The Infant" flew through our yard
and stopped long enough on the driveway for me to get a photo.
This is the day-flying moth with orange hind wings that looks like a small
butterfly when flying but disappears when it lands because of the camouflage
colours of the fore wings. They are not very common at our place likely because
there are not many birch trees, their food plant, near us. I think this is only
the second time I have seen one here (east of Bracebridge). BTW I saw a photo
of the moth Eleanor reported in her post below and it was also an Infant.
Cormorants - Lake Muskoka
Posted
on April 19, 2007 at 03:46:13 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Double-crested Cormorants are back on Eleanor Island even though the lake has
only been free of ice a couple days. This afternoon we counted 160 of them
already! We could only see 8 Great Blue Herons but may have missed some hidden
amongst all the cormorants.
Re(1): loon in Kearney
Posted
on April 27, 2007 at 06:26:14 PM by Gary
Kaye
We saw and heard our first loon of the year on Sunday April 22 on MIlford Bay
in Lake Muskoka.
loon in Kearney
Posted
on April 19, 2007 at 01:27:21 PM by Wayne
Bridge
The ice went out on Hassard Lake (Kearney) on Tuesday and today we have a loon
(there is a resident pair whose territory is Hassard Lake and the Magnetawan
River to Beaver Lake).
Re(1): Butterflies, Bala
Posted
on April 20, 2007 at 12:10:25 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
Sorry! I misidentified the Coppers and they were really Infant Moths! So I
better add a few as I counted only the ones I saw flying.
Butterflies, Bala
Posted
on April 19, 2007 at 01:03:47 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
11:30 to 12:30 today I drove Ragged Rapids Rd very slowly as there were
butterflies everywhere.
13 Mourning Cloaks
7 Eastern Commas
8 American Coppers.
I got a shot of another that could be a moth.
Amazing!
Bala Spring Happenings
Posted
on April 19, 2007 at 09:39:45 AM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
A lone male loon arrive back on Tuesday. First spring peeper heard last night and
the sweet song of a Hermit Thrush joined me on my first kayak around my lake.
Spring is coming after all!
Am. Bittern
Posted
on April 19, 2007 at 07:24:00 AM by J.
Gardner
The first bittern heard and seen this morning. And Sandhill cranes chatting
back in the bog end of our pond. Things are looking up.
Peregrine Falcon - Bay Lake
Posted
on April 18, 2007 at 11:15:21 AM by Kip Daynard
Yesterday evening at 6:40pm, a Peregrine Falcon flew in front of my car as I
drove along Bay Lake Rd. near Maple Drive. It was travelling ahead of me and
towards the left so I got a rear/under-side view only. A dark falcon, uniformly
barred underneath, and about the size of a crow I feel it could be nothing
else. My visual memory recalls a bluish cast to the plumage, so I'd guess it
was an adult but since the light was fading and the look was quick I can't be
sure. I believe it may have been perched and flew as my car approached. It flew
away low through the trees giving the appearance of heading for another perch -
given the hour of day, perhaps to roost for the night. I returned this morning
to see if it might still be around, but with no luck.
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers returned here yesterday. I flushed an American
Woodcock this morning while searching for the Falcon. The Saw-whet Owl was
still in our nest box as of Sunday.
Re(1): Algonquin Park Last Saturday
Posted
on April 18, 2007 at 09:18:09 PM by Marilyn
Kisser
we were in the park a couple of weeks ago - and we were aware of the finch's
coming on the road, so we were watching carefully - we had the same trouble on
the Aspdin road for a while - fortunately, we have avoided the finches
Algonquin Park Last Saturday
Posted
on April 17, 2007 at 05:34:17 PM by Eleanor
Kee Wellman
I thought I posted this Saturday but it vanished.
It was very distressing to see how many birds were killed during my visit. I
counted 16 between the East and West gates and another two beyond the West
gate. Six had been killed in one group at the turn-off to Mew Lake Campground.
I would guess that a transport got those. The group included 1 male
White-winged Crossbill, 2 male Red Crossbills and 3 females.
The birds are on the road for the salt and gravel and sometimes wait too long
to fly.
The Ravens are doing a booming business picking up the dead. I am sure there
must have been more killed that the ravens got before I counted them.
Ron Tozer tells me that there is a notice on the radio that is available at the
West Gate to blow your horn but the birds are really quite difficult to see
unless you are watching for them.
If the 18 I saw were any indication hundreds must have been killed over the
winter. Very sad!!!
Re(2): Spring Peepers and a few
ducks...
Posted
on April 19, 2007 at 07:13:11 AM by gerald
willmott
Well, last night Lake Muskoka was completely open. And as if to welcome it the
Spring Peepers were in full chorus, complete with a woodcock still doing his
ritual. This morning there are some Ring-necked Ducks and Buffleheads in the
bay of Milford Bay.
Spring is here!
Gerald, Beaumaris.
Re(1): Something missing?
Posted
on April 18, 2007 at 09:10:31 PM by Marilyn
Kisser
I agree spring is slow - but this morning I awoke to Phoebe singing and I also
saw the first evening grosbeaks at the feeders since late last fall (5 miles
outside of Rosseau towards Huntsville)
Re(1): Spring Peepers and a few
ducks...
Posted
on April 18, 2007 at 01:20:48 PM by Barbara
Taylor
I think when the weather went back into "winter mode" for a while,
that held back a lot of birds. The next few days should encourage them to
continue northward. This morning at the Bracebridge Ponds the sunny warmer
conditions convinced several Spring Peepers to start calling. Song Sparrows seemed
to be in full song everywhere. There were a few Buffleheads, Mallards, Canada
Geese and Wood Ducks, as well as nine Scaup in cell 2. A Killdeer was running
along the roadway between cell 1 and 2. Bracebridge
Ponds map
At Henry marsh there were 16 Ring-necked Ducks, a few Bufflehead, and a
Double-crested Cormorant. A Sharp-shinned Hawk was staking out the parking area
on Henry Rd. (Henry Rd. is west of Kerr Park along Beaumont Dr., Bracebridge)
Something missing?
Posted
on April 17, 2007 at 02:33:00 PM by J.
Gardner
Is it my imagination or is this year's birding season slow? We have far fewer
waterfowl on our pond and creek system, and the spring arrivals seem to be much
delayed. Even the peepers are not singing yet.
Wild Turkey & ice out
Posted
on April 17, 2007 at 11:59:04 AM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there was a Wild Turkey in the field beside Beaumont Dr., just
before Beaumont Farm Rd. An American Kestrel was perched on one of the fence
posts. Only a few Buffleheads at ice-free Alport Bay. (Bracebridge)
Lake Muskoka appears mostly open now, although there is still some ice well
south of Browning Island.
pine warblers
Posted
on April 16, 2007 at 02:14:11 PM by Wayne
Bridge
On the weekend, I heard (didn't see) one or two pine warblers in the mixed
woods behind our [Kearney] house.
Re(1): Barred Owls/Turtle Lake
Posted
on April 18, 2007 at 09:13:29 PM by Marilyn
Kisser
I have been treated to the barred owls call every morning this week - one
calls, and at least 2 answer - 5 miles outside of Rosseau towards Huntsville
Barred Owls/Turtle Lake
Posted
on April 16, 2007 at 09:47:32 AM by Garth
N. Baker
On Saturday night I did my Owl Survey on the Turtle Lake/Orrville route with
great sucess! Of 9 stops I had 5 Owls respond and give visuals as well.At my
7th stop I had a pair come directly in .It was my best outing for this route in
4 years of doing this route.
Of note there was not a single Peeper out,which is a first in the 4 years, A
little to chilly yet!
Cheer's Garth
bluebird
Posted
on April 16, 2007 at 07:05:12 AM by gerald
willmott
Sunday a.m. I took a walk to where we had just planted two Bluebird boxes. I was
surprised to see that the desired bird was there, checking out both boxes and
gathering nest material. Question, the opening of the box faces south east.
Should it be anyother direction? And how human tolerant are they?
Re(1): swallows, others
Posted
on April 15, 2007 at 03:39:30 PM by Al
Johnston
Thanks for the details about the midge hatch, John. I've had tree swallows
back, here in Whitchurch-Stouffville for over 2 weeks now and a few days ago, I
saw them working the surface of the pond and I couldn't see what they were
catching.
swallows, others
Posted
on April 15, 2007 at 02:43:07 PM by John
Challis
Tree swallows have come back to the Washago area this weekend. They're probably
responding to the hatch of midges out right now -- as well as some moths, and a
mourning cloak. A phoebe has been working the back yard for bugs, too.
Also heard our first kingfisher this morning (Sunday), and a merlin pair has
been letting their presence be known rather noisily.
Spring peepers have been starting to call, but aren't yet in full chorus.
Earlier in the week, one by the ditch sounded decidely hoarse and hung over.
One wood frog called last night in the marsh behind our place.
And two garter snakes emerged this morning as well, badly in need of a moult.
They'll probably all disappear again for a few days if the weather predictions
are as dire as the media are making them out to be.
Sharp Shinned Hawk
Posted
on April 14, 2007 at 12:55:47 PM by janice house
just watched a sharp shinned hawk circling over our house, gold finch was
swooping at him. Found a good article in the l00th issue April/May 2005 of
Cottage Life by Chris Earley showing comparisons of similar size raptors and
what to look for as they fly over.
Re(1): Northern Harrier
Posted
on April 15, 2007 at 08:39:32 AM by Wayne
Bridge
I saw saw one hovering about 6 feet above an unseen prey in a field beside Hwy
11 just north of Katrine (Apr. 9).
Northern Harrier
Posted
on April 14, 2007 at 10:12:12 AM by janice house
Geoff saw the harrier in the field behind the house at 1180 Doe Lake Rd
yesterday at approx 5:30 pm (on the right, next to the old Dinsmore Sheep Farm)
dove love
Posted
on April 13, 2007 at 11:46:27 AM by Wayne
Bridge
The solitary mourning dove that spent the winter huddling under our (Kearney)
roof eaves and the back deck overhang has successfully called in a mate! Now
they eat cracked corn together "on" the deck rather than under it.
Algonquin Park Bird Report: 12 April
Posted
on April 13, 2007 at 09:18:20 AM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 12, 2007)
and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
The following summarizes the birding situation in Algonquin
Provincial Park for northern species during the past week.
NEW INFORMATION SINCE LAST WEEK IS PRESENTED
AT THE START OF EACH SPECIES OR SECTION BELOW.
Snow and Ice:
Some open water has developed at river mouths, but all lakes
and ponds are still ice-covered. A thick layer of wet snow now
blankets the park after last night and today.
Moose:
A few at puddles along the highway are being seen irregularly.
Spruce Grouse:
A male was near the entrance of Spruce Bog Boardwalk on April 6.
The colder weather and snow will not encourage displaying by males.
Areas to search include: Spruce Bog Boardwalk (km 42.5 on Highway
60); the black spruce area south of Highway 60 opposite Spruce Bog
Boardwalk; and Opeongo Road (located at km 46.3) near the locked
gate, and farther north in black spruce bog area on the right (east) side.
American Three-toed Woodpecker:
Single males were observed near the start of Spruce Bog Boardwalk,
and near the locked gate on Opeongo Road, on April 6.
.
Listening for the relatively quiet tapping sounds made by the American
Three-toed as it flakes off bark is the best way to find them.
Black-backed Woodpecker:
A male was seen at km 8 on April 6.
Spruce Bog Boardwalk, along Opeongo Road, and utility poles at km 8
on Highway 60 are good areas to search. Check all conifer sites where
de-barked trees are in evidence. Imitations of Barred Owl calls, and
pishing, may elicit calls or movements by this woodpecker, helping to
locate them.
Gray Jay:
One was at the locked gate on Opeongo Road on April 6, and another
was seen farther north on the road the next day.
Boreal Chickadee:
Two were detected at the Opeongo Road locked gate on April 6.
There were single birds along Opeongo Road at the Costello Creek
culvert, and at the north end in the black spruce, on April 7.
Pine Siskin:
New sand and salt on the highway has resulted in larger numbers
on the road again.
Pine Grosbeak: OUTSIDE THE PARK
Two female-type birds eating gravel along Highway 127 south of
Whitney, just south of the power line, were reported on April 7.
Red Crossbill:
Numerous along the highway.
White-winged Crossbill:
Reported as very common along the highway on April 6.
Evening Grosbeak:
Frequently, there are 20 or fewer at the Visitor Centre feeders now,
but 60+ were reported there on April 7.
Note: Rock Lake Road has been re-opened to public travel. Due to
wet and muddy places on the Arohwon Road, it will remain closed,
likely for a couple more weeks. Your patience is appreciated.
As always, please let us know the date, number and location of birds you
observe when you visit Algonquin Park. In particular, we would like your
assistance with spring arrival dates. Please add your sightings to the
sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby.
Your bird sightings information is stored in the Algonquin Visitor Centre
database, and will help us to assist other birders visiting the Park.
Thanks.
Good birding.
Ron Tozer (retired Algonquin Park Naturalist)
Dwight, Ontario
Directions:
Algonquin 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 on Highway 60 in the park go from the West Gate
(km 0) to the East Gate (km 56). Permits and information are available
daily at both gates throughout the winter. The free Algonquin 2006
Information Guide has a map showing the location of sites mentioned in
this report.
The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Recent
bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found there. Contact
staff via the Visitor Centre service entrance during working hours on
weekdays for access to view the feeders.
Moon River Sightings
Posted
on April 12, 2007 at 12:02:11 PM by Dinny
and Neil Nimmo
Neil and I are on the Moon River in Bala. Today we spotted our first loon of
the season. The last 4 days we have had a pied-billed grebe just off our
dock...a first for us on the River, and about a week ago we saw a
swan...probably a trumpeter but we only saw it from a distance.
Re(1): Hermit Thrush
Posted
on April 12, 2007 at 09:56:28 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Has anyone seen a Hermit Thrush yet in Muskoka? Depending on the weather, in
past years they have been reported by mid-April. Last year one spent part of
the winter in Gravenhurst. On Jan. 28, 2006 Dan Burton reported one feeding on
Mountain Ash berries - it had first been seen Jan. 3.
Toronto /Hermit Thrush
Posted
on April 12, 2007 at 08:15:56 AM by janice house
spoke to Dad last night - on April 8th he had 3 hermit thrush's in his back
yard. He lives at Yonge & Steeles.
snow buntings
Posted
on April 11, 2007 at 09:00:28 PM by Dawn
Sherman
There was a flock of approx. two dozen snow buntings in the vacant lot across from
Wendy's in Huntsville at 6:30 pm today.
Re(1): Kearney Waterbirds
Posted
on April 11, 2007 at 03:29:17 PM by Kip Daynard
This morning at 8:45am numbers were similar to yesterday:
8 Hooded Mergansers
6 Common Mergansers
9 Ring-necked Ducks
1 Bufflehead
2 Canada Geese
A pair of American Kestrels and a Turkey Vulture flew over Perry Lake. Several
Song Sparrows were singing. Male Red-winged Blackbirds are apparently on
territory but still no sign of any females. Groups of 8-10 Common Grackles
flying about together making a ruckus.
In the Little East River near Novar at 1:30pm I found a pair each of Mallards,
Ring-necked Ducks and American Black Ducks.
Kearney Waterbirds
Posted
on April 10, 2007 at 02:24:33 PM by Kip Daynard
Early this afternoon on Perry Lake in Kearney:
7 Hooded Merganser
5 Common Merganser
1 Bufflehead
8+ Ring-necked Ducks
8 Canada Geese
Re(4): winter wren
Posted
on April 11, 2007 at 06:15:51 AM by ron
tozer
March 27 is indeed an early date for Winter Wren. The earliest ever recorded in
Algonquin Park was 26 March 1989, in an equally mild (at the time) spring.
Re(3): winter wren
Posted
on April 10, 2007 at 09:55:45 PM by Kip Daynard
Didn't hear it again until almost a week later. Then, I had two on Apr 2, one
at roughly the same spot as on Mar 27 and another about 1.5kms away at a
traditional territory near my house.
Still no sign of the woodcock here, but the saw-whet owl was still in our nest
box as of yesterday. Would a saw-whet owl regard a woodcock as prey?
Re(2): winter wren
Posted
on April 10, 2007 at 01:55:46 PM by Alex
Mills
Kip Daynard heard a very early one this year on March 27 at Bay Lake (see
posting below for that report)
Re(1): winter wren
Posted
on April 10, 2007 at 07:20:05 AM by ron
tozer
Despite this year's winter-like conditions, some migrants are arriving about
when we would expect them. The average first spring observation of Winter Wren
in Algonquin Park over the last 21 years is April 7.
winter wren
Posted
on April 10, 2007 at 07:10:24 AM by gerald
willmott
I would have thought it just a little bit too early for this guy, but as I was
walking the dog this a.m. there was a Winter Wren calling out his bubbly and
complicated song. Interestingly last night the woodcock resumed calling. Spring
just can't be held back.
bluebirds
Posted
on April 9, 2007 at 07:08:28 PM by Carol
Wagg
This morning a pair of bluebirds was checking out the nest boxes in our yard.
Doe Lake Road in Gravenhurst.
Meadowlarks
Posted
on April 9, 2007 at 06:16:26 PM by nickbartok
Meadowlarks are apparently back and singing along Fraserburg Road near the
highway, despite the snow
Kingfisher and Brown-headed Cowbirds
Posted
on April 9, 2007 at 05:01:34 PM by Goodyear
We saw a lone male Kingfisher at Henry Marsh this afternoon. He was waiting for
the ice to melt?! All four cells of the Lagoons are now clear of ice. There
were a few Mallards, Ring-necked, Scaup sp. and Wood Ducks present. A large
flock of Grackles, Starlings, Red-wingeds, and Cowbirds have cleaned out our
feeders for us over the last few days. (Bracebridge)
Huge flock of Robins
Posted
on April 9, 2007 at 01:19:04 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning there were well over 100 American Robins singing and foraging
along the Trans Canada Trail just east of Stephens Bay Rd. from the Strawberry
Bay Rd. access point. There were also a few Purple Finch, Red-winged
Blackbirds, a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers, a "whinnying"
White-breasted Nuthatch, and a drumming Ruffed Grouse. (Bracebridge)
kestrel
Posted
on April 9, 2007 at 07:41:25 AM by gerald
willmott
Touring the back roads of Bardsville (didn't take long) yesterday there was an
American Kestrel dining on a mouse. The Kestrel was perched on a hydro wire
along the perennially flooded stretch of road where the Beatrice town line and
the Falkenberg road meet.
frenzied feeding
Posted
on April 8, 2007 at 03:28:21 PM by Wayne
Bridge
Lots of action in our Kearney backyard feeders today. Species = black-capped
chickadee, red-breasted nuthatch, blue jay, junco, tree sparrow, goldfinch,
pine siskin, crow, hairy woodpecker, downy woodpecker, song sparrow, robin,
red-winged blackbird, and evening grosbeak (female & two males).
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Posted
on April 8, 2007 at 07:59:26 AM by Goodyear
Happy Easter! A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was shivering to keep warm this
morning as it clung to the trunk of our crabapple tree- 117 Meadow Heights
Drive, Bracebridge.
Northern Flicker
Posted
on April 7, 2007 at 05:06:50 PM by janice house
saw 2 today, one on our morning walk and one at the Falconburg Rd off Manitoba
St/#4
Birds moving
Posted
on April 6, 2007 at 06:57:23 PM by J.
Gardner
Our winter population of Tree Sparrows dwindled to about 10. Today we have
about 40 tree sparrows, which have to be mostly transients heading north. We
have 12 juncos today, about 10 more than the residents.
red-shouldered nest
Posted
on April 6, 2007 at 03:51:28 PM by gerald
willmott
It was such a nice treat on a Good Friday walk. Just across the highway from
the entrance to Beaumaris road at HW 118 there is an active Red-shouldered
Hawk's nest, complete with Hemlock decorations and a circling and calling bird;
not a bad day.
Beaumaris
Other exciting events included cleaning out Blue bird nest boxes and having a
field mouse and i surprise each other. I think i jumped almost as high as it
did.
Re(2): Fox Sparrows
Posted
on April 8, 2007 at 08:01:54 AM by Goodyear
We had 1 in our yard yesterday. Dates of arrival for this species in our yard
have been as early as March 30 and as late as April 9. (Bracebridge)
Re(1): Fox Sparrows
Posted
on April 6, 2007 at 06:46:16 PM by janice house
two in my yard today, also a female cowbird (Doe Lake Rd.,Gravenhurst)
Fox Sparrows
Posted
on April 6, 2007 at 02:02:03 PM by Barbara
Taylor
This morning we came across two Fox Sparrows, an American Tree Sparrow, Song
Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos along the Trans Canada Trail between Henry Rd.
and the Bracebridge Ponds. The birds were all east of "the dip".
There was a Red-breasted Nuthatch chiselling out a nest in a dead tree - the
hole was already large enough that the bird could disappear inside. A few
Golden-crowned Kinglets were near the Henry marsh end of the trail. The marsh
has re-froze with the return of this wintery weather. There were only a few
Scaup, Buffleheads, Mallards, and Canada Geese at the Bracebridge Ponds.
Re(1): Red-bellied
Woodpecker...Wendy's photo of Hillman Lake bird
Posted
on April 7, 2007 at 10:18:39 AM by Al
Sinclair
Wendy reported last night that they are still being seen. Single Red-bellied
Woodpeckers have been seen before in Muskoka in winter and spring. What is
unusual about this latest sighting is that there is a pair (female in the
photo). If they stay and nest in the area it would will be a new breeding
species for Muskoka. Another species expanding their range north due to a
warming climate?
Red-bellied Woodpecker...Wendy's
photo of Hillman Lake bird
Posted
on April 6, 2007 at 01:48:41 PM by Al
Sinclair
I just received a photo
of one of the Red-bellied Woodpeckers that was at Wendy Fletcher's feeders this
winter west of Bracebridge. See previous reports on the Bird Board.
Algonquin Park Bird Report: 5 April
Posted
on April 6, 2007 at 09:00:02 AM by ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (April 5, 2007) and
is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
The following summarizes the birding situation in Algonquin
Provincial Park for northern species during the past week.
NEW INFORMATION SINCE LAST WEEK IS PRESENTED
AT THE START OF EACH SPECIES ACCOUNT BELOW.
Snow and Ice:
The snow was almost completely gone this week, until a thin layer
of new snow arrived last night and today. Sub-freezing conditions are
expected to last through Easter weekend. Some open water has
developed at river mouths, but lakes and ponds are still ice-covered.
Moose:
The annual spring appearance of moose coming to roadside puddles
along Highway 60 is underway, with one or two being seen by most
people driving across the Park, especially in early morning or
evening. These animals drink the water and even ingest mud due
to its measurably higher salt content due to runoff from winter road
maintenance.
Spruce Grouse:
Sightings occurred on Spruce Bog Boardwalk near the register box,
and along Opeongo Road. With most of the snow gone, males can be
expected to be more actively displaying to the as yet disinterested
females.
Areas to search include: Spruce Bog Boardwalk (km 42.5 on Highway
60); the black spruce area south of Highway 60 opposite Spruce Bog
Boardwalk; and Opeongo Road (located at km 46.3) near the locked
gate, and farther north in black spruce bog area on the right (east) side.
American Three-toed Woodpecker:
Birders are continuing to find these northern woodpeckers. A male was
photographed near Post 6 on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and another male
was found 15 m north of the locked gate on Opeongo Road, on March 31.
.
Listening for the relatively quiet tapping sounds made by the American
Three-toed as it flakes off bark is the best way to find them.
Black-backed Woodpecker:
A male was inspecting holes in a utility pole at the north end of Opeongo
Road on March 31, and another male between Posts 9 and 10 on Spruce
Bog Boardwalk was photographed the same day. Both males and females
are drumming, so listen for this clue to their presence.
Spruce Bog Boardwalk, along Opeongo Road, and utility poles at km 8
on Highway 60 are good areas to search. Check all conifer sites where
de-barked trees are in evidence. Imitations of Barred Owl calls, and
pishing, may elicit calls or movements by this woodpecker, helping to
locate them.
Gray Jay:
Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road are still the best places to look.
Boreal Chickadee:
No new reports were received, but Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo
Road are good locations to check. These birds should be vocalizing more
now than during the winter.
Finches on Highway 60:
A noticeable reduction in the number of finches seeking residual sand and
salt on the roadway was observed this week. In part, this is likely due to
no new material having been applied during the recent milder weather and
existing sand and salt being washed away by the rain. However, it appears
that there are really fewer siskins, crossbills and others around as well.
Red Crossbill:
There are still some birds being seen, and heard vocalizing.
White-winged Crossbill:
Significantly lower numbers being seen, but still present.
Evening Grosbeak:
The big flock that attended the Visitor Centre feeders all winter has been
reduced to about 15 birds this week.
Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, and American Goldfinch:
Small numbers of each seen this week.
Note: both the Arowhon Road and Rock Lake Road are posted CLOSED
TO PUBLIC TRAVEL and should not be used by birders.
As always, please let us know the date, number and location of birds you
observe when you visit Algonquin Park. In particular, we would like your
assistance with spring arrival dates. Please add your sightings to the
sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby.
Your bird sightings information is stored in the Algonquin Visitor Centre
database, and will help us to assist other birders visiting the Park.
Thanks.
Good birding.
Ron Tozer (retired Algonquin Park Naturalist)
Dwight, Ontario
Directions:
Algonquin 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 on Highway 60 in the park go from the West Gate
(km 0) to the East Gate (km 56). Permits and information are available
daily at both gates throughout the winter. The free Algonquin 2006
Information Guide has a map showing the location of sites mentioned in
this report.
The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Recent
bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found there. Contact
staff via the Visitor Centre service entrance during working hours on
weekdays for access to view the feeders.
coopers at feeder
Posted
on April 5, 2007 at 07:47:15 PM by gerald
willmott
Got home at around 6pm this afternoon and there was a large Coopers Hawk
checking out the feeder. He hung around long enough to allow a good look. What
a red eye! Also there was a pair of merganzers hanging out in a sheltered bay.
Merlin at feeder
Posted
on April 5, 2007 at 12:23:03 PM by Doug
Smith
A merlin made a quick visit to my birdfeeder this morning, grabbing either a
starling or a RWBB. I'm not sure which, as the merlin, (it seemed dark enough
and large enough to say it was a female) covered it with her wings while she
was wrestling with it on the ground. She stayed on the ground for a couple of
minutes then flew off into the woods with her catch.
End of feeder season
Posted
on April 4, 2007 at 01:20:33 PM by jim
griffin
A big messenger passed through my yard last night and that of my neighbour and
helped us take down/apart our bird feeding stations; the bears are out and are
really partial to those old chunks of suet still hanging around.
This is the first time in 10 years in Port Sydney this has happened to us.
Re(1): Blue Jay mimicry
Posted
on April 6, 2007 at 07:11:46 PM by janice house
we have had broad winged hawks nesting in the valley behind our cottage on
Skeleton Lake for several years. I was fooled by a blue jay, I thought the hawk
was in the cedar trees close to the dock but a blue jay popped out
Re(1): Blue Jay mimicry
Posted
on April 4, 2007 at 02:14:13 PM by Alex
Mills
At Magnetawan, blue jays do both broad-wingeds and red-shouldereds. I have made
an effort to try to distinguish the real thing from the blue jay, but am not
confident about being able to do so, especially with red-shouldereds
Re(1): Blue Jay mimicry
Posted
on April 4, 2007 at 01:25:10 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Funny you should mention the Broad-winged Hawk imitation since just yesterday I
heard the call, was surprised by the early arrival...but then saw the real
bird...a Blue Jay. For several years we had a female Blue Jay that would come
to our back deck rail looking for peanut handouts. She would often give a
convincing rendition of a Red-shouldered Hawk right after taking her peanut to
a nearby pine tree.
Blue Jay mimicry
Posted
on April 4, 2007 at 09:48:46 AM by Kip Daynard
The other day I was surprised to hear the high-pitched 'tuweeeee' of a
Broad-winged Hawk, repeated several times at broadly spaced intervals. It
really was a dead ringer for that call which I know well, but I thought this
was quite unlikely given its still a couple of weeks before the first
Broad-wings return. Upon trying to locate the source of the sound, I found only
a Blue Jay. I didn't actually see him do it since once I located him, he began
making the Blue Jay's typical scolding call. However, I think it could only
have been the Jay since the scolding call replaced the 'tuweeeeee' and it was
coming from the same general direction.
This is the second time Blue Jays have fooled me into thinking there was a
raptor nearby. A couple of years ago I had a similar experience. I could've
sworn there was a Red-shouldered Hawk circling nearby but upon investigation
found a Blue Jay doing an incredibly realistic imitation (I actually saw that
one do it).
Anyone else have some anecdotes of Blue Jay mimicry to relate?
saw-whet still here
Posted
on April 3, 2007 at 11:13:25 AM by Kip Daynard
As of this morning the saw-whet owl is still present in the nest box. Emsdale,
ON (see earlier post Mar. 29)
Merlin
Posted
on April 2, 2007 at 12:30:58 PM by Barbara
Taylor
Earlier today there was a Merlin in a tree on the west side of Kevin Cres.
between Daleman Dr. and Brian Rd., Bracebridge. It was calling loudly and
pecking at something in its feet. A Pileated Woodpecker soon appeared on a
nearby tree, perhaps coming in to investigate what all the racket was about.
wild turkeys in Kearney
Posted
on April 2, 2007 at 11:01:46 AM by Wayne
Bridge
I was working in the kitchen when I heard something hit a window. I thought,
"Oh no, not a bird." Then it hit again, and again, and I realized it
was coming from downstairs. A couple weeks ago we had a red fox looking in the
bird room window, greatly upsetting my parrots. Naturally, I thought it was
happening again, but when I went to investigate, out of the corner of my eye I
caught a glimpse of something large and black at the computer room window. Good
God, not a bear already! But no, it was a very large wild turkey tom, head,
neck and wattles fully engorged! It must have seen its own reflection and
decided to defend its own territory (and the two hens he had in tow). What a
great way to start an otherwise dreary day. [We are the last house in Kearney
heading east to The Park - lots of bush and water.]
Re(1): Unusual Cedar Waxwing
Posted
on April 2, 2007 at 10:15:12 AM by Alex Mills
What an interesting photo. This is obviously an individual with aberrant
pigmentation, but it is interesting to see that it still has a yellow terminal
tail band. The terminal tail band in cedar waxwings can be orange if they eat
certain foods (e.g. an alien honeysuckle). Because of that, and because this
bird still has a yellow band, it makes me wonder if the normal yellow band is
entirely a dietary pigment, rather than a genetically determined one.
Unusual Cedar Waxwing
Posted
on April 2, 2007 at 09:17:13 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Received this photo
of a white Cedar Waxwing, taken by G. Howe on March 26 in Alcona, SE of Barrie.
Owl Prowl Cancelled due to bad
owling weather
Posted
on April 1, 2007 at 07:16:40 PM by Al
Sinclair
The Muskoka Field Naturalists Owl Prowl scheduled for tonight, April 1, has
been cancelled because of the rainy weather. It may be rescheduled for later in
the month.
new arrivals
Posted
on April 1, 2007 at 01:05:37 PM by John
Challis
It’s been a busy week and I haven’t had time to record our daily sightings on
Green River Dr., Washago. Here’s an omnibus report for the last week.
Sat. Mar. 24; evening – woodcock twittering (or would that be a snipe?)
overhead. Have heard him again a couple of times; first song sparrow;
Sun. Mar 25; first two great blue herons landed in the wetland by the road.
Otter watched the dogs and I from the edge of the ice on the Green River; marsh
hawk calling
Mon. Mar 26; eastern phoebe calling
Wed. Mar. 28; five ring-necked ducks in the river – three males, two females;
flight of five herons passing overhead in the evening.
Thurs., Mar 29; a double-date of hooded mergansers, in courtship dances…hens
unimpressed
Fri., Mar 30; old squaw in the river at the end of our road, photographed by
neighbor Barry Peyton; two wood ducks in wetland behind the house. Unbelievably
naïve spring peeper calling at dusk.
Sat. Mar 31; yellow-bellied sapsucker in the trees behind our house.
All week juncos have been trilling, but not in very large groups this year.
Purple finches and goldfinches have been in abundance.
Sunday, April 1; Short-tailed albatross, circling overhead while singing "Bess, You Are My Woman Now".
port carling
Posted
on April 1, 2007 at 11:50:29 AM by gerald
willmott
Today at the Hazelwood trail there was NO sign of the Red-shouldered Hawk.
However there were several Wood Ducks, Black Ducks, Mallards, Brown Creepers
and the usual suspects. From the bottom of West Street in Port Carling (which
is on the Indian River turn at the Indian River Trading Co.) there was one Ring-necked
Duck, one American Widgeon, several Hooded Mergansers (male and female), Common
Mergansers (male and female), Buffleheads, Common Goldeneyes and plenty of
Herring Gulls.
Bird Board update
Posted
on April 1, 2007 at 11:11:33 AM by Barbara
Taylor
Thanks to everyone for all your reports. All posts for January thru March are
now available in the Archived Reports.
Check out my list of Birding and Nature Links for websites helpful in
identifying birds, dragonflies, butterflies, wildflowers, mushrooms, and more.
Need help posting photos? Find instructions and do a test post on the Nature Photos Board.
New to the Bird Board? See the Posting
Guidelines for helpful tips about using the board.
I try to monitor the Bird Board on a regular basis. If you want to bring
something to my attention, just send me an email and I'll get back to you as
soon as possible.
Barbara Taylor
muskoka_birder@hotmail.com
Moose
Posted
on April 1, 2007 at 08:40:34 AM by janice house
at approx 7:25 I spotted a moose in the field across from our house, with the
scope we saw he was a young male looking pretty patchy. First one seen in the
14 years we have lived here. 1206 Doe Lake Rd.
beaumaris birds
Posted
on April 1, 2007 at 08:38:40 AM by gerald
willmott
Beaumaris birds.
Yesterday (March 31) walking around Beaumaris I heard the following:
3 Phoebe
1 Song Sparrow
5 Golden-crowned Kinglet
1 Turkey Vulture
2 Red-shouldered Hawk
Coyotes calling at 6am on Friday Morning
One freshly hit Ruffed Grouse that baked up well with onions, chives and a
little butter. I have no idea who hit the poor bird, not I.
And very interestingly we have had a woodcock calling all night for the past 5
days. He has also been calling throughout the night and during the morning
dawn. I had previously thought that they only call at dusk and dawn. Possibly
it may have something to do with the excellent moonlight this week? He was
absent last night.
