[Ontbirds] Kortright Centre for Conservation - Pine Grosbeaks, Eastern Screech Owl, Among Others (November 25)

[Lev Frid]

Hello,


Today I went birding at Kortright Conservation Area. The trail
entrance that I used was located at  "The Sugar Bush Shop", which is
located near the Visitor Centre, It was the middle trail of the three
entrances. Following that trail one will encounter many feeders placed
along it. At the very entrance, I watched three female PINE GROSBEAKS
feeding on cones. Then another 7 PINE GROSBEAKS flew overhead.
Continuing through the trail, one will reach a grassy area in which
one can turn right or go straight. Go straight to go to the marsh. If
you are going the right way you will encounter a fenced-off bridge.
You will follow a river until you reach a sharp left to go to the
marsh boardwalk. The marsh was frozen over, but if one takes the
boardwalk, to the right, one will come across a Bat House, with a Wood
Duck nesting box not far away. There is a gray morph EASTERN SCREECH
OWL roosting in there. If you're lucky, you will see him peeking out,
but it is worth it to wait approximately 3-5 minutes in that section,
he will eventually show himself. As you continue, you will see many
pine trees to your left. Search these carefully, as these may produce
owls. There is an abundance of BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, who may help
you in terms of locating owls.


Directions:
The Kortright Centre is located three kilometers west of Highway 400
and one kilometer south of Major Mackenzie Drive at 9550 Pine Valley
Drive in Woodbridge.


Lev Frid,
Maple, Ontario
November 25, 2007