Hi fellow birders; Yesterday, Sunday, January 22 on my way up to Dorset, Ontario I stopped in at Washago. At the mouth of the Severn River at the north end of Lake Couchiching I was thrilled to observe 73 Trumpeter swans. There is quite a large area of open water just south of the Centenial park on Quetton Street south of HWY 169 in Washago. The swans were either sleeping on the water, feeding or were aggressively displaying pairing behaviour. It was akin to being entertained by a beautiful ballet with head bobbing, calling, birds lifting off & as they took to the air their gigantic wings slapping the water. Some birds had tags, almost all too far away for identification, most did not. Mr. Lumsden, thank you for your years & tears on this reintroduction project. To all dedicated people who continue to monitor these fabulous birds, thank you. What a thrill to see so many healthy birds in such a lovely setting. Today, coming south from Dwight on HWY 35, just north of Sea Breeze Rd. which is north of Dorset. I had a fabulous Bald eagle right at the side of the road in a tree. I was allerted to the bird by 4 good sized crows buzzing a leafless deciduous tree on the east side of the road. There was a driveway for me to pull into immediatley across the road. The bird appeared to be an immature 4 year old with lots of white but some streking still on the head.
I was hoping for Red crossbills & Boreal chickadees but the weather was nasty from freezing rain. I'll take the eagle any time. Lots of deer on & off the road, if you do venture to this area take care to watch for them. Good birding, Susan Menzies _______________________________________________ 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/
