A friend and I spent Christmas Day out and about in a number of areas and for both of us this was an excellent birding day!
Shirley's Bay area: There were lots of Bohemian Waxwings especially along the east side of Rifle Rd. At the feeding station we found a number of common Redpolls, +++Blue Jays, 1 White Breasted Nuthatch, ++Finches, +++Chickadees, 2 Downey Woodpeckers, 1 male Cardinal and a number of crows. Our most exciting views came along March Valley Road and Sixth Line Rd! Along March Valley Road: (Red-tailed Hawk / Bald Eagle) We found our first Red-Tailed Hawk just after Klondike (eastside) sitting in the snow having his breakfast. Across from 1385 March Valley Road, we found a Bald Eagle far off in the distance. Along Sixth Line: (Wild Turkeys / Barred Owl / Pileated Woodpecker) We found one dead wild turkey in a snow bank and another (live one) in the trees not far off. This area was in the area across from 1881 Sixth Line. At 2515 we found two Wild Turkeys waiting outside of the homeowner's garage. At 11:00 we found a Barred Owl http://www.pbase.com/catherinegardner/image/90791085 sitting in a tree at the entrance of 1995 Sixth Line. At the time it was sunny so it was a surprise to see it there. Just down the street from this viewing we found a Pileated Woodpecker who was being chased by a group of crows. Other sightings: On Corkstown Rd. behind the Equestrian Park (north-east side, just east of the overpass closure signage) we found another Red-tailed Hawk. This one is a regular in the area and is usually found between Moodie and the overpass sign) Three Wild Turkeys were noticed in the field along the 417 east between Moodie Dr. and the 416 off ramp. Another Pileated Woodpecker was found being chased by a crow at the Beechwood Cemetary. Directions to Shirley's Bay 417 to Moodie Dr North.... Moodie Dr. north to Carling Ave..... Left on Carling and go to Rifle Rd. (just past the hay bales on the right) turn right and follow Rifle Rd. to Lois... turn right on Lois then turn right on Hilda (next street on right) Directions to March Valley Rd. & Sixth Line 417 to Moodie Dr North... Moodie Dr. North to Carling Ave... West (left) on Carling to Hertzberg and turn north on Hertzberg... Hertzberg to March Valley Rd. (immediately after the golf club)... Right on March Valley Rd. *for Sixth Line follow same directions to March Valley Rd. Take March Valley Rd. to the end (Ridell) and turn right. Follow this and it will turn into Sixth Line. A very good birding day for sure! Happy Holidays and Happy Birding everyone! Catherine Gardner www.pbase.com/catherinegardner _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
