Today John Schmefelske and I birded from Bracebridge to Barrie.
We had great views of the Harris' Sparrow at 9.45 a.m. at the feeder of Steve
and Joanne Sprague's house at 1150 South Monck Drive just outside Bracebridge
(off Highway 118 west). The bird also fed on birch buds in the yard. Many
thanks to the Spragues for their kind hospitality !
On Doe Lake Rd. / #6 south of Bracebridge before the road meets Highway 11 near
Washago, we found several good birds. Best was a Hoary Redpoll with a flock of
8 Common Redpolls before reaching Coopers Falls. We also found a Northern
Shrike, 2 flocks of Wild Turkeys, Common Ravens, 12 Snow Buntings, an American
Robin, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Pileated, Hairy and Downy woodpeckers, both
Nuthatches and Ruffed Grouse.
At Barrie Lake Simcoe was completely open. Along the waterfont were 9 Glaucous
(1 adult), I 1st-year Iceland and an adult Thayer's Gull.
At Minet Point were numerous rafts of ducks including Common Mergansers, Common
Goldeneye and Black Ducks. Also seen were Hooded Mergansers, American Wigeon,
Bufflehead, 4 Trumpeter Swans, and a Pied-billed and a Red-necked Grebe.
Dave Milsom
For birding tours see www.florafaunafieldtours.com
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