[Ontbirds]Pine Grosbeaks, Midland - Sat Dec 1

[frank.pinilla at bell.ca]

Folks,

We headed out for a "backroad" drive north to Barrie and then up to Midland, ending at Wye Marsh, bit of a quiet day. 

In the Midhurst area, on the east side of Hwy 26 and north of Barrie, I had a flock of 40+ Wild Turkeys at the intersection of Pooles Road and Old Second South.  The area is pretty much west of Snowshoe Valley Road and Hwy 26.

Further north while driving up Baseline Road (which runs N-S just west of Hwy 93), near Wyevale, I had a group of 5 Pine Grosbeaks feeding on apples - 3 really nice red males.

At Wye Marsh, just as I was leaving a flock of 6 Pine Grosbeaks flew over the parking lot. Couldn't find any Bohemian Waxwings for the day but we all know how 'bohemian' they can be!  Also at Wye Marsh at the feeders behind the visitor centre were a few Common Redpolls, many American Goldfinches, a Red-winged Blackbird amongst other regular winter birds.

Wye Marsh can be found by taking Hwy 400 north from Barrie and taking the Hwy 12 exit west towards Midland, the entrance to the conservation area is on the south side of Hwy 12 just before the town of Midland. 

For those of you with kids the Wye Marsh visitor centre is great with several live animals and many stuffed, our 14 month old had a great time!  She even got to touch a Black Rat Snake!  :-). Thanks to the great staff!!

A nice day to be out and an ok start to winter listing.

Cheers & good birding,
Frank Pinilla
Richmond Hill, ON

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