After sunset last night on Torrance Barrens my wife and I had ringside seats to performances by 5 Common Nighthawk, 20 Whip-poor-will and one American Woodcock.
Because of the elevation on the barrens we could follow the Nighthawk's curious flight for some distance and see, and then hear their booming dives. I enjoy spotting them several kms away against the orange sunset. At many stops we could hear three-four Whip-poor-wills, some calling right beside the road, close enough to hear the "cluck" note. Just as the road descends into swamp at the east we spot-lighted one calling bird perched on a branch at eye level only 15' away. The bird sang non-stop for one minute and continued as we drove off. Perhaps the first time I have actually seen this species singing. One Woodcock was displaying in a traditional spot on the north side west of the parking lot. There is no traffic on a week night in June. The only other spectator was a friendly Conservation Officer searching for reptile poachers. Admission is a mere 25 mosquito bites. Directions: From the town of Torrance on Hwy. 169, proceed east on Muskoka Road 13, about 8 kms., cross the CNR tracks twice, drive through a Veery-infested swamp for one km. and ascend the barrens. The next three kms. are the prime observing area. George Bryant _______________________________________________ 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/
