The first annual Blossoms and Blackflies Festival will be held in the South River/Machar Arena on Saturday May 3rd, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highlights include a slide show on Birds of the Almaguin Highlands by Martin Parker at 2 p.m., and Bird Calls by Davey Meloy at 4:15. Check out our website at www.blackflyhunt.ca Cost of the event is $2/person. Public school students and preschoolers are free. Proceeds go to the South River Festival of the Arts (August 8 - 16).
While in the area, be sure to visit our local bogs for Spruce Grouse, Boreal Chickadees, Black-backed Woodpeckers, and Gray Jays. We know of 2 Saw-whet Owls on territory. We have had 2 independant reports of a Sharp-tailed Grouse on the outskirts of South River on Sunday. One was from a hunter who knows Ruffed and Spruce Grouse well. The other was by a beginning birder who is familiar with these species, and it was definitely not them. A possibility is that it is an escaped female pheasant. I will post the identification when a birder confirms it is a Sharp-tailed, or identifies it. South River is located on Hwy 11, south of North Bay. From the main intersection (traffic lights) turn west onto Ottawa Street and go 1 block, then turn left (south). You will drive into the arena parking lot at the end of the street. For instructions on how to find the regional specialties, just ask us. We'll be there all day. Kathy Parker Arts Festival Coordinator. "Martin Parker" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
