I birded Carden Alvar with my mother today. The Northern Hawk Owl (lifer!) was
at his (apparent) usual place just east of the intersection of highways 6 and
46, on the south side, about 70 metres back on a high tree. This was at about
9am, Wednesday. Our spotting scope was definitely an asset. Why can't I be the
person who sees it right next to the road and gets fantastic pictures? A
Red-tailed Hawk was also a little further east on the 6, before the curve in
the road.
On our way there from Orillia, turn left off highway 12 north onto the 46. Just
after the road curves east there was a flock of Snow Buntings, about 1000
strong, flying in the fields. It was really amazing when they all zoomed right
over the car, and then landed in the snow-covered field. You could get a true
appreciation of the numbers when they weren't hidden among the grasses.
We then went to Ginny Moore's house, at 1545 Monck Road in Uphill. Ginny is
very friendly and seed and peanut butter is everywhere for the birds. There
were about 8 Hairy Woodpeckers, 2 Downies. about 25 Common Redpolls
(lifebird!), 20 Evening Grosbeaks, a few American Goldfinches, and about 15
blue jays, making a racket. There was also a white-breasted nuthatch. No Hoary
Redpoll or Sharp-shinned hawk.
We went looking for the Snowy Owl at Leslie and Ravenshoe in the Holland Marsh
on the way back to Toronto, but didn't see it. We did see a Northern Shrike
there instead, giving excellent views.
Good birding!
-Julia Freedman
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