An enthusiastic group of about 45 birders braved sub-freezing temperatures, strong winds, frequent heavy snow squalls, and snow/ice-covered trails to observe 54 species of birds today throughout the Highway 60 Corridor. Record high flood levels that resulted in the breaching of Opeongo Road at Costello Picnic Grounds meant that we could not go to that traditional hotspot, but alternative locations produced some interesting birds.
A Boreal Chickadee taking seeds from the hand at Spruce Bog Boardwalk thrilled everyone. Our second visit to Spruce Bog finally turned up a male Spruce Grouse feeding high in a spruce. Despite extensive efforts, however, we could not locate a Gray Jay or a Black-backed Woodpecker. Other highlights included: the first Broad-winged Hawk at km 53; a Great Gray Owl in the bog on the north side of the highway just east of Track and Tower Trail; a Bohemian Waxwing flying over Lake of Two Rivers Campground; a female Northern Cardinal feeding on bird seed near the register box at Spruce Bog Boardwalk; and a female "Oregon" Junco and a female Hoary Redpoll at the Visitor Centre feeders. A few keen birders lingering after the late afternoon official end of the trip observed a Bald Eagle chasing a Great Blue Heron near km 24, and the first Barn Swallow and a flock of six Pine Warblers at the Old Airfield. Special thanks to Kevin Clute, Justin Peter, Ian Shanahan and Dawn Sherman for their bird-searching help. It was a fun day. Ron Tozer Dwight, ON _______________________________________________ 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/
