The OFO field trip through the Holland Marsh area north of Toronto today featured 22 hardy participants, a bitter west wind, and several good birds. Highlights included 9 Snowy Owls, a flock of 200+ Common Redpolls, three male Wild Turkeys, a dozen Snow Buntings, and - when we needed it most - a warm, cozy lunch at Tatlow's restaurant in Holland Landing. On his way home from our trip Morris Ilyniak cut back through the fields south of Bradford and identified an immature Northern Goshawk along Canal Road North not far west of Hwy 400. Mega thanks go out to Art Needles for driving and Kevin Shackleton for co-leading. To those of you who came out to join me on damn cold day, thanks for your great spirit, good humour, and sharp eyes. I really enjoyed your company. Ron Fleming, Newmarket The Holland Marsh is directly north of Toronto, starting at Hwy. 9 (which runs east-west perpendicular to Hwy. 400). Hwy 9 goes east into Newmarket. This area was once a vast marsh but it has been drained in most sections and is used for growing vegetables. The flat, treeless fields are very tundra-like, which attracts Snowy Owls and wicked winds. And, in winter, birders and photographers. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
