I took an hour after work to dodge rush hour traffic and head over to the Jack Pine Trail of the Stony Swamp Conservation Area, and the traffic was worth the trip. The pine grove right near the parking area was teeming with DARK-EYED JUNCOS singing from the treetops. I would estimate that there were probably close to 60-80 birds by how much noise they made. Further down the trail I came across my first FOX SPARROW of the year. Near the OFNC feeder there were the usual suspects: RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, CHICKADEES, a DOWNY WOODPECKER, and I spotted a single GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET (I head at least four others in the vicinity).
Not a meter down the trail I came across 5 SONG SPARROWS feeding amongst the reeds and flowing water from all the melting snow. As I watched the sparrows, I inadvertantly spooked a WINTER WREN from its concealed place in the reeds. It flew off into the forest, but not before giving me a brief glimpse (I would bet this is the same winter wren that eluded my attempts at photographing it last winter). A short time later it was singing from its location in the trees and brush, but I couldn't relocate it. Before leaving, I came across two more FOX SPARROWS near the OFNC feeder. I was also there last night around 8:30pm, and I could make out at least three AM. WOODCOCKS singing in the night. I did not locate any of them by sight, but they were very vocal last night and I would imagine will continue to be that way for awhile. Pat Blake Ottawa DIRECTIONS: >From 416N, take exit 66 and turn left onto Fallowfield Road. At the light, >turn right onto Moodie Drive. The Jack Pine Trail parking area (P9) is >located on the right. _________________________________________________________________ If you like crossword puzzles, then you'll love Flexicon, a game which combines four overlapping crossword puzzles into one! http://g.msn.ca/ca55/208_______________________________________________ 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
