It is starting to get interesting with the Great Gray Owls now since they are still around Lake Simcoe in stable numbers with no decreases since none have moved north. Tonight there were 21 at Muley Point area between 4-6 pm hunting and still finding lots of Meadow Voles. Several families (children on school break) were present today viewing the owls. Great Gray Owls start nesting by April 15th so you would expect them to soon leave to head back north but this has not happened. The Varied Thrush, Harris's Sparrow, Common and Hoary Redpolls are also still present in the area while Red-winged Blackbirds and American Robins are returning from the south. The number of dead owls continue to climb with 8 Barred Owls, 4 Boreal Owls, and 50 Great Gray Owls. Still one of the best locations to observe the owls is at Muley Point Road.
Directions to Muley Point from hwy 11 in Orillia. From the south on hwy 11 take the second exit (4th from the north) to Orillia (hwy 12 South) and follow hwy 12 through Atherley to Uptergrove. Continue along hwy 12 to the large Catholic Church on the left (St. Columbkille) and turn right onto Muley Point Road. Follow Muley Point Road south to the store at McRae Park Road/conc. 9 (good for owls) and then continue south to conc. 8. Muley Point Road goes right to Bonnie Beach Road (good for owls). Take conc. 8 west to sideroad 20 (owls) and follow it around to conc. 7. Turn left on conc. 7 and follow it north (more owls) to sideroad 15. Turn left on sideroad 15 and follow it back to hwy 12. Bob Bowles
