Just got back from a week of canoeing in the western portion of Algonquin Provincial Park and can report the following significant raptor sightings:
Friday, Sep 19th - one adult BALD EAGLE soaring over Grassy Bay at the south-west end of White Trout Lake. Saturday, Sep 20th - a migrating PEREGRINE FALCON flying quickly southward over Muslim Lake (on the Rain Lake portage route just south of Misty Lake). According to my Algonquin checklist (1994) Bald Eagles are considered rare in Algonquin, Peregrine Falcons although once Algonquin breeders, are now considered very rare in the park. I believe the September 20th date represents an early fall record for the Peregrine Falcon (by one day). Both sightings were good but short. Identifications were made by myself alone without the aid of optics. The huge size and striking white head and tail of the eagle were unmistakable even at a distance of 400m or so. The Peregrine was seen at a distance of about 50m for 15-20 seconds. Seen against an overcast sky, the bird was in silhouette, making observation of plumage impossible. Identification was made on the basis of its flight style, size, wing shape and overall proportions. Clearly too big for a Merlin, its stocky body; smooth, powerful flight strokes; shortish tail neatly folded with pointed, swept back wings were consistent with the dozen or so Peregrines I've seen in the past. Kip Daynard Emsdale, ON "Kip Daynard" <[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.
