Hi OntBirders.
The Ruffed Grouse was at the Hilda Road feeders
again today. Just like the previous 3 days, it showed up in the early
afternoon (1:00 pm this time). It didn't stay as long as on previous
visits. The feeders weren't as active as on other days. Earlier in the
morning, a Coopers Hawk captured a bird right on the side of the road
(Hilda) opposite the feeders. You can still see some feathers in the snow
where it apparently happened. Thanks to the 3 birders who alerted me to it
and the people still there who told me about it when I got there.
Apparently the the hawk caught a Mourning Dove (not confirmed).
As if that weren't enough, a Merlin showed up at
around 12:30pm. It perched momentarily at the top of a tree in the same
field as the feeders before perching somewhere behind it. The raptor parade
continued as all the birds flushed once again later as a hawk (Coopers or
Sharp-shinned....didn't get a close enough look) flew low across the snow at
the far end of the feeders. All the raptor activity may be a contributing
factor to the lower than normal activity at the feeders in the afternoon.
The Pileated woodpecker showed up offering great close-up looks at it along
with Hairy woodpeckers.
Francine Streeting reports the Barred Owl reported
yesterday on March Valley Road was quite active early in the afternoon.
Quite a number of photographers were treated to some photo ops of the owl.
Happy birding.
Ruffed Grouse.
http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/90958728/original
W. Hum
www.pbase.com/golfpic
Directions to Shirley's Bay area (Rifle Road, Hild Road feeders) courtesy
www.NeilyWorld.com
http://ca.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo21.htm
Directions to Barred Owl courtesy Neily World: http://ca.geocities.com/
[EMAIL PROTECTED]/orwo24.htm
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