Here are a few comments about my sightings today. The area in the vicinity of the visitor centre had the greatest number and variety of birds as noted in previous reports.
Evening Grosbeaks dominated here but there were flocks of goldfinches, several Pine Grosbeaks getting grit on the driveway, a flock of about 50 Siskins possibly mixed with redpolls that did not land and a few Bohemian Waxwings near the visitor centre. Along Hwy 60 I had a flock of about 45 Siskins getting grit near East Beach Picnic area. There were three redpolls in the flock, one of which was a Southern Hoary that showed a clean white rump very well. Gray Jays were present along Arrowhon Rd, at Spruce Bog parking lot and Opeongo Lake Rd. I did not locate either Spruce Grouse or Boreal Chickadees and I didn't meet anyone else who had either. I was surprised to find Evening Grosbeak flocks in other locations such as Opeongo Lake Rd and Arrowhon. I also had small flocks of White-winged Crossbills along Arrowhon, all atop spruces and 8 Reds flying over Hwy #60. Anyone wanting to drive up Arrowhon Rd should note that the road is not plowed but vehicles have been making the trip up. Don't try it if you do not have snow tires and are uncomfortable driving on snowcovered back roads. You may need to take some of the hills in low gear. All wheel drive is an asset but not essential. Between km 3 and 4 the road is reduced to a single track in deep snow. If you encounter a vehcile coming from the opposite direction between these areas someone will need to back up. It is not safe to move to the side without risking getting stuck. I do not know how the coming weather system will affect driving conditions here. Brian Morin _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
