Hello Fellow Birders / Nature Photographers, Although the severe fog this week made for some beautiful scenery photo opportunities it proved to be quite a challenge trying to find the birds! Persistence does however pay off! :-)
On Monday, January 7th we found the resident Red-tailed Hawk in his usual spot on Corkstown Rd. (North west of Moodie and the 417 and north-east of the path closure sign. At least 15 pigeons were also sitting on the opposite side of the road. These pigeons were also noticed two days ago. (not sure what is keeping the pigeons in this area) At the Hilda Rd. feeders we found large flocks of Redpolls and American Tree Sparrows in the afternoon. A lot of our regular chickadees and at least three White-Breasted Nuthatches were also present. Three Downey Woodpeckers and one Pileated Woodpecker were also taking their turns at the suet stations. A couple of Mourning Doves and a few Blue Jays were in the far trees. Although my friend was able to hear the Merlin and the owl they were not found in this area. There was a lot of competition for the food at the feeder as there were squirrels everywhere including black, red and greys! Small numbers of Waxwings were noticed flying by the feeding station. Along March Valley Rd. we found one Barred Owl on North-west of Klondike (just south of 1365 Klondike. (This is the area where the road narrows and the creek is on both sides. If you plan to visit this area and decide to pull over it is highly recommended that you park on the east side as the west side snow bank can be misleading and could end you in the creek!) A Ruffed Grouse was also noticed in a tree on March Valley Rd. along the first bend on the west side. On another note while we were parked on Corkstown Rd. a mosquito decided to drop by for a visit and reports from my friend have it that there was a groundhog trying to cross over Eagleson Rd. p.s. anyone planning on spending long periods of time at the Hilda station, the NCC has had the snow banks at the comfort station cleared! Good Birding All Directions to Shirley's Bay area courtesy www.NeilyWorld.com http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo21.htm Directions to Corkstown Rd. 417 west to Moodie Dr. North. Moodie North to the next set of lights (Corkstown) and turn left. Directions to Corkstown Rd 417 east or west to March Rd. (March goes north vs Eagleson goes south) take March road and Corkstown the next road on your right. Catherine Gardner Nepean, "Ottawa" Ontario _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
