[Ontbirds]Barred Owl and Other Birds Found In Fog

[Catherine Gardner]

Hello Fellow Birders / Nature Photographers,

Although the severe fog this week made for some beautiful scenery photo
opportunities it proved to be quite a challenge trying to find the birds!
Persistence does however pay off! :-)

On Monday, January 7th we found the resident Red-tailed Hawk in his usual
spot on Corkstown Rd. (North west of Moodie and the 417 and north-east of
the path closure sign.  At least 15 pigeons were also sitting on the
opposite side of the road. These pigeons were also noticed two days ago.
(not sure what is keeping the pigeons in this area)

At the Hilda Rd. feeders we found large flocks of Redpolls and American Tree
Sparrows in the afternoon.   A lot of our regular chickadees and at least
three White-Breasted Nuthatches were also present.  Three Downey Woodpeckers
and one Pileated Woodpecker were also taking their turns at the suet
stations.

A couple of Mourning Doves and a few Blue Jays were in the far trees.
Although my friend was able to hear the Merlin and the owl they were not
found in this area.  There was a lot of competition for the food at the
feeder as there were squirrels everywhere including black, red and greys!

Small numbers of Waxwings were noticed flying by the feeding station.

Along March Valley Rd. we found one Barred Owl on North-west of Klondike
(just south of 1365 Klondike. (This is the area where the road narrows and
the creek is on both sides.  If you plan to visit this area and decide to
pull over it is highly recommended that you park on the east side as the
west side snow bank can be misleading and could end you in the creek!)

A Ruffed Grouse was also noticed in a tree on March Valley Rd. along the
first bend on the west side.

On another note while we were parked on Corkstown Rd. a mosquito decided to
drop by for a visit and reports from my friend have it that there was a
groundhog trying to cross over Eagleson Rd.

p.s. anyone planning on spending long periods of time at the Hilda station,
the NCC has had the snow banks at the comfort station cleared!

Good Birding All

Directions to Shirley's Bay area courtesy www.NeilyWorld.com
http://ca.geocities.com/larry.neily@rogers.com/orwo21.htm  

Directions to Corkstown Rd. 417 west to Moodie Dr. North.  Moodie North to
the next set of lights (Corkstown) and turn left.  

Directions to Corkstown Rd 417 east or west to March Rd.  (March goes north
vs Eagleson goes south) take March road and Corkstown the next road on your
right.

Catherine Gardner
Nepean, "Ottawa" Ontario