Dear Ontbirders,
I am sending this on behalf of Rick and Kelly Stronks, who are hosting a
beautiful male Western Tanager on their property on Highway 35 in Dwight.
The bird was seen at around 6:00 PM today, and myself, Amanda Guercio, Rick
and Kelly watched the bird coming to the feeders at 7:15 PM for about
twenty minutes until it went to roost in a nearby cedar. David LeGros then
joined us and was able to observe the roosting bird.
Rick and Kelly are graciously allowing birders to walk up their driveway to
view the bird feeders, which can also be seen from the road. They have set
up a barrier to which birders may walk up to. If people walk past this
barrier, it will scare all the birds and ruin it for everybody. In an age
where more and more people are not allowing birders/photographers to view
rarities on their properties due to horror stories, this is a refreshing
change and the utmost respect for neighbors, property and other birders is
necessary.
You can park in front of their garage or along the wide shoulder of HW 35.
Watch from the paved road or the driveway up to the barrier. DO NOT leave
the pavement, walk on the lawn or neighboring properties. The bird comes to
the platform feeder or feeds on the ground with sparrows, then often takes
a break in the white pine above the feeders, or goes to a nearby cedar,
which is where we saw it last. The cedar is on the neighbors property - DO
NOT APPROACH IT. Excellent viewing is had from the road if the bird is in
there.
Directions:
Rick and Kelly are at 24424 Highway 35. It is on the east side of the road,
seven kilometres south of the intersection with Highway 60. From Toronto,
it is probably fastest to take Highways 400, 11 and then 60 to Highway 35
and go south. East of the city, you can also take the 401 to the 115 and
then 35 all the way up. It is a nice drive. Algonquin Park is nearby.
Happy Birding!
Lev Frid
Huntsville, Ontario
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