I spent the day at Westmeath Provincial Park outside of Pembroke. Sparrows
were the target species, and the Park did not disappoint. I found two NELSON'S
SPARROWS and one LE CONTE'S SPARROW in the tall vegetation along the shore of
the Park. The Nelson's were observed well, but the Le Conte's proved to be
very difficult to see for more than a second (keeping to its reputation as a
skulker). There were plenty of WHITE-CROWNED, WHITE-THROATED, and SWAMP
SPARROWS as well. On the way out of the Park, I heard the unmistakable
"chewink" call of an EASTERN TOWHEE, which was quite vocal although it never
revealed itself. I also heard one SANDHILL CRANE calling on the walk out; it
sounded pretty close, but I was not able to determine if it was in a nearby
field or flying overhead, as the trail leading out of the park is in thick
woods.
Good birding!Pat
DIRECTIONS: Westmeath Provincial Park is located on the Ottawa River east of
Pembroke. The entrance trail (which is poorly marked) is found along Westmeath
Road (CR-12) near Old Mill Bridge Road. Expect a long walk into the park
before reaching the sandy shoreline where most of these sightings occurred.
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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/
