Happy new year Ontbirders! While birding Jack Pine Trail this morning, I saw an adult Northern Goshawk in the middle loop between the OFNC feeder and the junction that leads to the first boardwalk. It must have been quite close to the trail, for it flew up right in front of me and landed on a fallen tree about 30 feet away. It was clutching a dead bird in its talons and sat with its back to me for nearly five minutes, though he kept turning his head to look at me. Eventually he flew into the woods in a southwesterly direction (back toward the feeders) parallel to the path. (This would perhaps explain why the only bird in the vicinity of the feeders was a single Mourning Dove!)
Other species seen include one Pileated Woodpecker, a couple of juncos and American Tree Sparrows, and a couple of Snow Buntings flying overhead. Overall the trail was pretty quiet this morning. Directions (courtesy of Neilyworld): From Highway 416 take exit 72 to West Hunt Club Road. Follow this road southwest for 2.1 km to Moodie Drive. Turn left at the lights and drive 1.4 km to reach a parking area on the left for the Jack Pine Trail. To reach the OFNC feeder, take the left-hand trail and continue straight until you reach the junction with the first loop. The Goshawk has been known to frequent this area. This morning I found him past the feeder in the area beyond the cedars. All the best for 2011! Gillian Mastromatteo Ottawa, ON My blog: http://gillianm.livejournal.com/ My galleries: http://www.pbase.com/jewelwing/root _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
