Georgian Bay Area Past Field Trips

Algonquin Provincial ParkTop

25 April 2009 Algonquin Provincial Park

Leader: Ron Tozer.

About 75 people in 31 cars participated in a successful Algonquin Park birding trip today, the 20th year for this OFO outing. Occasional rain did not significantly hinder our efforts. The combined observer list totaled 67 species.

Highlights for many were the male and female Spruce Grouse north of the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, the two Boreal Chickadees that Maris Apse spotted for us at Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot and which provided excellent views, and the male Black-backed Woodpecker excavating a nest cavity in the second utility pole west of Leaf Lake Ski Trail (km 53.8).

A record was set when Gray Jay was not seen all day, for the first time in the 20 years of these outings. Unfortunately, the decline of the Gray Jay in Algonquin Park due to climate warming has now reached the point where it is quite easy to miss this species in late April, when the birds are focused on feeding young in the nest.

Other noteworthy sightings included:

• American Wigeon: pair on Lake of Two Rivers after heavy rain
• Blue-winged Teal: pair on Costello Creek
• Green-winged Teal: pair on Sunday Creek at Spruce Bog Boardwalk
• Red-necked Grebe: one on Lake of Two Rivers after heavy rain
• Merlin: pair at a nest in white pine at east end of West Gate parking lot
• Eastern Towhee: singing male along Tea Lake Dam road

I would like to thank all the participants today, and especially Kevin Clute who assisted ably with finding the birds.

26 April 2008 Algonquin Provincial Park

Leader: Ron Tozer.

The 19th annual OFO outing to Algonquin Park was enjoyed by 37 participants, with good weather in the morning and some showers in the afternoon. The group located 60 species and had a great day of birding.

A pair of Gray Jays on Opeongo Road north of the Costello Creek culvert took food from many eager hands. A male Spruce Grouse near the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk allowed great views. Our best Spruce Grouse viewing came later in the black spruce bog bordering the north end of Opeongo Road as two calling females and three displaying males put on a spectacular show.

Species seen today for the first time in Algonquin this spring included: American Pipit (seen over the Visitor Centre parking lot before we arrived), Palm Warbler, Black‐and‐white Warbler, and Field Sparrow.

Thanks to everyone who attended today, and especially to Kevin Clute for his assistance.

Reported by Ron Tozer.

21 April 2007 Algonquin Provincial Park

Leader: Ron Tozer.

Forty‐one OFO members and friends enjoyed a wonderful, warm birding trip in Algonquin Park today. As with previous OFO trips here, our primary goal was to find the boreal species that birders regularly seek in the Park. In the process, we were treated to a very pleasant day of birding, with 57 species being tallied by the group.

A male and female Spruce Grouse were observed well by everyone north of the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. This was a lifer for several people. A female Black‐backed Woodpecker near Post 9 on that trail, and another of these often elusive woodpeckers on a utility pole at Cache Lake, were enjoyed by many members of the group, but missed by many others, unfortunately. Four or five Boreal Chickadees at the north end of Opeongo Road allowed fleeting views for most observers. As is often the case with this chickadee, they were often frustratingly well‐hidden in the black spruce trees. Gray Jays were fed on Opeongo Road, near their nest where large young will be fledging very soon. Common Ravens often flew over for identification comparison with American Crows. Despite extensive searching of areas where American Three‐toed Woodpeckers have been observed recently, we were unable to find one today; most of these boreal woodpeckers may have headed back north following the largest winter irruption on record in Algonquin Park.

First observations of this spring in Algonquin today included Osprey (two), Sharp‐shinned Hawk, Horned Lark (northern race), Vesper Sparrow, and Savannah Sparrow. A rather early Barn Swallow at the West Gate was seen there first on Friday. Interestingly, there still have been no Tree Swallow sightings in Algonquin this spring, likely reflecting the increasing scarcity of this aerial forager here, plus the extensive mortality among migrant Tree Swallows that has occurred during cold weather this month.

Thanks again to all those who attended. It was a magnificent day to be out birding.

Reported by Ron Tozer.

22 April 2006 Algonquin Provincial Park

An enthusiastic group of about 45 OFO members and friends birded Algonquin Park today in challenging weather (light rain and windy). The results were limited by the conditions, but interesting nonetheless.

We started at the West Gate, where a Field Sparrow was at the feeder. The year’s first Barn Swallow had appeared there briefly prior to the arrival of most participants.

Our first stop was Spruce Bog Boardwalk for Spruce Grouse where a male had been seen regularly all week. Despite playing a tape of a female’s calls, and 45 people spreading out to search through the sopping wet conifers, we could not find this target species. However, this spring’s first Greater Yellowlegs was noted on the pond along Sunday Creek, although few people got to see it.

The next location visited was Opeongo Road, where a calling female Spruce Grouse and a displaying male had been observed last week. Again, despite playing the tape, there was initially no response. Persistence paid off, however, as eventually a female Spruce Grouse did call back, on the ground under thick conifer cover near the road. Then it perched on a branch in full view in the open. Everybody got to see it and this was a life species for several participants.

On the way back down the Opeongo Road we got to see and feed Gray Jays, always a highlight of this trip. Lunch at the Visitor Centre got us out of the rain for the first time all morning, and birds at the feeder there included Purple Finch and Fox Sparrow.

Our last major stop involved driving up the Arowhon Road and walking along the railway bed to West Rose Lake. Birds were scarce there as well, but the scenery and long close views of a Moose were worth the walk even though the rain persisted.

Thanks to all who came and had fun despite the weather.

Reported by Ron Tozer.

23 April 2005 Algonquin Provincial Park

Leader: Ron Tozer.

Twenty-one enthusiastic OF members and friends enjoyed an early spring day in Algonquin Park. Luckily, we did not experience any significant rainfall until 3 p.m., allowing ample time to search for the northern birds that were our primary objective.

A male Spruce Grouse in the black spruce bog along Opeongo Road (km 46.3 on Highway 60) allowed close approach for all to see. It was a life bird for some. Gray Jays along Opeongo Road took food from people's hands. A few participants heard Boreal Chickadee along the old railway near Wolf Howl Pond (accessible from Arrowhon Road at km 15.4). Unfortunately, as has been the case for many birding in Algonquin recently, Black-backed Woodpecker eluded us. The Great Gray Owl observed near Wolf Howl Pond on April 22 had apparently moved on.

The Visitor Centre (km 43) feeders attracted several sparrow species, including Chipping, Savannah, Fox and White-throated (the latter two in song). Finch sightings for the day were limited to Purple Finch and the much-appreciated five Evening Grosbeaks at the Visitor Centre feeder.

Reported by Ron Tozer

19 April 2003 Algonquin Provincial Park

Leader: Ron Tozer.

A very rewarding early spring day in Algonquin Park was enjoyed on Saturday by 69 OFO members and friends. We started at the West Gate at 9 a.m., birded east to Opeongo Road, and still had five of the 39 cars when we finally stopped at 7 p.m. back at the West Boundary! About 50 bird species were observed. Noteworthy sightings included:

Broad-winged Hawk, two over Opeongo Road (first of spring); Rough-legged Hawk, one (light morph) over Visitor Centre; Spruce Grouse, one along Opeongo Road at gate, five south of Hwy. 60, opposite Spruce Bog Boardwalk; Black-backed Woodpecker, one Opeongo Road at gate, none at km 8 despite two long attempts to find the female that has been regular there; Gray Jay, four along Opeongo Road; Boreal Chickadee, several along Opeongo Road in black spruce section; Hermit Thrush, one near West Gate (first of spring); American Robin, one with nest material (Canoe Lake), just one day later than the earliest nest-building ever recorded in Algonquin; Savannah Sparrow, one on Airfield (first of spring); Eastern Meadowlark, one on Airfield (first of spring), even though average arrival is 7 April; White-winged Crossbill, numerous along Hwy. 60 and Opeongo Road; Evening Grosbeak, four on Opeongo Road; one or more at Visitor Centre.

Other interesting observations included this spring's first Painted Turtle (Costello Creek Marsh) and Garter Snake (Cache Lake). Directions: Algonquin Provincial Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400 and 11 to Huntsville, and then east on Highway 60. Get a tabloid at the gate when you purchase your permit (required if you are going to use trails, parking lots and roads off Highway 60, or go to the Visitor Centre). The tabloid has a map for locating sites mentioned above.

Reported by Ron Tozer

20 April 2002 Algonquin Provincial Park

Leader: Ron Tozer.

About 65 people attended Ontario Field Ornithologists' trip along the Highway 60 corridor of Algonquin Provincial Park, recording 57 species on a cool, sunny day that provided some great early spring birding. Our primary goal was to see Algonquin's "northern" birds (Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, Common Raven and Boreal Chickadee), and this was done!

A male Spruce Grouse displayed, 200 m south of Highway 60, opposite Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Two Gray Jays were given copious amounts of food by grateful birders at the locked gate on the Opeongo Road. A female Black-backed Woodpecker finally emerged at Km 8 on Highway 60, in response to Barred Owl imitations, and then remained visible for all to observe. A Boreal Chickadee at Km 8 was much more difficult to see, in typical fashion for this species, but several trip participants did hear and see it, briefly.

OFO birders arriving early for the trip established record early spring dates for two species yesterday (April 19) in Algonquin: Northern Shoveler (two males on Costello Lake on the Opeongo Road) and Northern Mockingbird (at the Old Airfield). Neither species was still present today, unfortunately.

The all-time records for earliest spring arrival in Algonquin Park continued to fall today, as OFO birders observed a Blue-Headed Vireo at the West Gate, and a very cooperative Virginia Rail at Long Lake near the West Boundary, which came into plain view in response to a taped call.

Other noteworthy sightings in Algonquin included an early Greater Yellowlegs at Opeongo Access Point and a Barn Swallow at the West Gate.

Algonquin Park is located on Highway 60, east of Huntsville. From Toronto, follow Highways 400 and 11 north to Huntsville. All park facilities are currently closed (gate buildings, visitor centre, campgrounds) during the OPSEU strike.

Reported by Ron Tozer.

28 April 2001 Algonquin

Led by Ron Tozer.

Over 75 people in 33 vehicles enjoyed a marvelous pre-blackfly, sunny (but cool) day of birding in Algonquin Park on Saturday (April 28), during the OFO field trip. Our target for the day was to see Algonquin's boreal birds, and this was accomplished with relative ease.

A male and female Black-backed Woodpecker were on a hydro pole for all to see at km 8, as expected. A bonus there were the two Boreal Chickadees that came right out in the open to sit briefly in a Red Maple for all to enjoy. This elusive species was later encountered south of Sprucebog trail (opposite side of the highway) and along Opeongo Road. Sprucebog trail has been unreliable for Spruce Grouse lately, so we went south of the highway there to a site where I had encountered them earlier. A male displayed for all to see at point blank range, in response to the recorded call of a female. As usual on these OFO trips, this was a life bird for several present. Gray Jays finally showed up along the Opeongo Road, near the Costello Creek culvert, and several participants fed them from the hand. The somewhat breezy conditions resulted in Common Ravens often flying overhead, doing barrel rolls and displaying their distinctive field marks.

Nesting Merlins at Harkness Fish Lab on Lake Opeongo, and at the new nest at the foot of the Visitor Centre drive, provided excellent opportunities to view this increasingly common species. We had good looks at Pine Siskins, Evening Grosbeaks, and White-winged Crossbills.

Algonquin Park is reached from Toronto by heading north on Highways 400 and 11, and then turning east at Huntsville on Highway 60. Locations in the Park can be determined from the map you can pick up at the gates when you buy your permit.

Reported by Ron Tozer

Bruce PeninsulaTop

20‐21 June 2009 Bruce Peninsula

Leaders: Cindy Cartwright, Alfred Raab.

Twenty OFO members and guests meet on Saturday morning in Hepworth for the start of a two day birding field trip covering the Bruce Peninsula. The leaders for both days were Cindy Cartwright and Alfred Raab. On Saturday our first stop was at Sable Beach looking for the Piping Plover, then on to Boat Lake, Isaac Lake and Sky Lake. In the afternoon we drove along the side roads around Ferndale and the last stop was at Black Creek Provincial Park at the shores of Lake Huron near Stokes Bay. On Sunday we started at the Tobermory Airport, stopped at the Tobermory dump, then drove north to Cape Hurd, then south to Dorcas Bay (Singing Sands), along Dyers Bay Road, north on Bartley Dr. west on Lindsay Rd 40 and back to Hwy 6.

For the two days we saw 109 bird species.

The highlights were:

Birds:

• 2 adult Bald Eagles at Sky Lake, 1 juv at Tobermory dump
• Pied‐billed Grebe near Tobermory Airport
• American Bittern, male with white fluffy shoulder puffs, female nearby on Dyers Bay Road
• Least Bittern at Boat Lake
• Virginia Rail with young at Isaac Lake
• Sandhill Crane at Tobermory Airport and heard at various locations.
• Piping Plover at Sable Beach
• Upland Sandpiper near Ferndale and Dyers Bay Road
• Black Terns at Sky Lake
• Yellow‐bellied Sapsucker at nest near Sky Lake
• 13 Warbler species
• Clay‐colored Sparrow at Lindsay Rd 40
• Grasshopper Sparrow at Tobermory Airport
• Bewer’s Blackbirds near Ferndale

Plants: Robert’s Fern, Rattlesnake Fern, Lakeside Daisy, Yellow Lady’s Slipper (abundant), Showy Lady’s Slipper, Ram’s Head Lady’s Slipper, Tall Northern Green Orchid, Spotted Coralroot

Mammals: Black Bear, Coyote

Alfred Raab, near Lions Head, Northern Bruce Peninsula

21‐22 June 2008 Bruce Peninsula

Leaders: Cindy Cartwright, Alfred Raab.

The weather forecast was completely wrong and we enjoyed beautiful sunny skies for the OFO trip. Thanks to the participants for being such a great group!

101 species were observed by the group, and individual participants picked up another 5‐10 species on Friday and Saturday evenings. Highlights were: Piping Plover, Upland Sandpiper, Brewer’s Blackbird, Black Tern, Least Bittern, Golden‐winged and Blue‐winged Warblers. The Piping Plovers have begun to hatch and this weekend should be very exciting (busy) for the guardians.

Reported by Cindy Cartwright, Alfred Raab.

23‐24 June 2007 Bruce Peninsula

Leader: John Miles.

Below is the complete list of 111 species observed by participants on the Bruce OFO trip. The last species of the day was a group of Upland Sandpipers (at least 3 adults and 4 pint‐sized young) at Parkhead.

Common Loon; Pied‐billed Grebe; Double‐crested Cormorant; American Bittern; Least Bittern; Great Blue Heron; Great Egret; Green Heron; Black‐crowned Night‐Heron; Turkey Vulture; Canada Goose; Wood Duck; Mallard; Northern Shoveler; Blue‐winged Teal; Green‐winged Teal; Common Merganser; Red‐breasted Merganser; Hooded Merganser; Bald Eagle; Osprey; Northern Harrier; Sharp‐shinned Hawk; Red‐shouldered Hawk; Red‐tailed Hawk; American Kestrel; Wild Turkey; Virginia Rail; Sora; Sandhill Crane; Piping Plover; Spotted Sandpiper; Killdeer; Wilson’s Snipe; Upland Sandpiper; Ring‐billed Gull; Herring Gull; Glaucous Gull; Caspian Tern; Common Tern; Black Tern; Rock Pigeon; Mourning Dove; Black‐billed Cuckoo; Chimney Swift; Ruby‐throated Hummingbird; Belted Kingfisher; Red‐headed Woodpecker; Hairy Woodpecker; Downy Woodpecker; Yellow‐bellied Sapsucker; Northern Flicker; Eastern Wood‐Pewee; Alder Flycatcher; Least Flycatcher; Eastern Phoebe; Great Crested Flycatcher; Eastern Kingbird; Tree Swallow; Barn Swallow; Northern Rough‐winged Swallow; Cliff Swallow; Bank Swallow; Blue Jay; American Crow; Common Raven; Black‐capped Chickadee; Red‐breasted Nuthatch; White‐breasted Nuthatch; House Wren; Marsh Wren; American Robin; Eastern Bluebird; Veery; Gray Catbird; Brown Thrasher; Cedar Waxwing; European Starling; Warbling Vireo; Red‐eyed Vireo; Yellow Warbler; Magnolia Warbler; Yellow‐rumped Warbler; Black‐throated Green Warbler; Blackburnian Warbler; Black‐and‐white Warbler; American Redstart; Ovenbird; Common Yellowthroat; Northern Cardinal; Rose‐breasted Grosbeak; Indigo Bunting; Dickcissel; Eastern Towhee; Chipping Sparrow; Clay‐coloured Sparrow; Field Sparrow; Savannah Sparrow; Grasshopper Sparrow; Song Sparrow; Swamp Sparrow; White‐throated Sparrow; Bobolink; Red‐winged Blackbird; Eastern Meadowlark; Brewer’s Blackbird; Common Grackle; Brown‐headed Cowbird; Baltimore Oriole; American Goldfinch; House Sparrow.

Reported by Cindy Cartwright.

24‐25 June 24 2006 (Saturday and Sunday) Bruce Peninsula

John Miles provided 16 OFO participants with a great weekend of birds, flowers, ferns and orchids on the annual OFO outing to the Bruce Peninsula. We saw a total of 115 species of birds. Saturday highlights were at least 8 Black‐billed Cuckoos, Sedge Wren, American Bittern, several Black Terns at Shallow Lake, Brewer’s Blackbird near Ferndale, and 15 species of warblers. The Oliphant Fen had a fine display of orchids. Rare ferns were found in a number of locations including the Shallow Lake area.

Sunday highlights included at least 2 male Dickcissels on Dyers Bay Road, Merlin, Ruffed Grouse, Virginia Rail, Clay‐colored Sparrow, Veery, and Wood, Hermit, and Swainson’s Thrushes. Rare ferns, flowers and orchids were found. For some the best find was a Massasauga Rattlesnake in an alvar depression near Dyers Bay.

Reported by Dave Milsom.

25‐26 June 2005 Bruce Peninsula

Leader: John Miles.

Saturday morning, 24 OFO members and friends assembled at the Hepworth Tim Hortons. We proceeded east to Shallow Lake and then NE checking out the swamps on the road past the McNabb Lake complex. At the large swamp past the entrance to the lake, four Great Egrets were near each other. We returned back towards Shallow Lake and walked on the road leading back towards the boat launch but stayed on the old concession road. A Golden-winged Warbler was seen and heard as well as several other species. Up the slight hill, we examined several ferns including Hart's Tongue. After a Tim Hortons coffee fix etc., we proceeded NW on what use to be the South Diagonal Road stopping several times and picking up singing Vesper Sparrows and other species. At one stop, a Carolina Wren could be heard singing from across the field. The bird was actually located in the scopes on top of dead tree maybe 300 metres away. At this location, a Grasshopper Sparrow landed in a small sapling about 50 feet away. Further down the road, a Wild Turkey was out in a field and two pairs of Red-shouldered Hawks were seen soaring.

We turned north and headed up to the junction with the North Diagonal Road where Brewer's Blackbirds and an Upland Sandpiper put on a show. At Isaac Lake, a Virginia Rail came out for the group to see. At the boat launch, an Osprey put in an appearance. Lunch was at the picnic area south of Marr. Then we headed to Sky Lake where we picked up Pied-billed Grebe, Marsh Wren and Caspian Tern. The ditches at Petrel Point were pink with a fabulous display of Grass Pink with a few Rose Pogonias mixed in. In the trees above, several male Purple Finches added pink to the trees tops. Showy Lady Slippers and bog candles added to our orchid list. Taking the Howenvale Road, we proceeded over to the centre road and then north toward Black Creek. The Cliff Swallows were present at their usual location. At Black Creek, several species were added to the day's list but the Olive-sided Flycatcher did not show. We returned to the cars and called it a day at 4:30 p.m. The group combined list was at least 92 species including 15 species of warblers.

Sunday morning, we reassembled at the Tobermory Airport where 21 people showed up with several new faces in attendance. Several stops were made on the way to the Tobermory dump, where over 40 Turkey Vultures were on the ground and on posts. A couple of Common Loons made a fly past. We headed for Cape Hurd making several stops. At one stop, an Alder Flycatcher was very co-operative. A few Yellow Lady Slippers were still in good shape in the shade and several Northern Green Orchids were seen.

At the end of the road, we walked out through Sunset Park and found a few Red-breasted Mergansers off shore. The herp specialists had a couple of Ribbon Snakes.

Lunch was at the Crane River Picnic grounds followed by a look at the infamous fern wall and a search for the Nodding Trillium. Some of our Michigan friends made special requests for several rare fern species so we stopped at the Purple Stem Cliffbreak site and then at the Dyers Bay Junction where we walked into to see the Robert's Fern. An examination of the various cracks in the limestone on the alvar finally produced a small clump of Green Spleenwort. We proceeded south on the old road stopping to look as some Male Fern before going out to No. 6 and the Miller Lake service station for treats and gas.

Then back up no. 6 to the Dyers Bay road and then east to the Wall Rue rock. Onwards to the Crane Lake Road. About 1/2 mile north of the Dyers Bay Road a stream comes by where there used to be a lot of beaver activity. We stopped as a Least Flycatcher was being vocal. One of the observers spotted a large bird about 1/2 way up in a tree at the back of the beaver meadow to the east. The bird finally turned around showing its facial disc and bright yellow eyes, a fantastic Great Gray Owl. This bird was hunting and swooped down into the grass, reappeared and flow towards us landing in a low snag just at the top of the grass before moving higher in the small trees. This bird was only 100-150 feet away.

With the time getting on we continued north and took the road east towards Larkwhistle. Several stops were made along the shrubby field. At the final stop maybe 200 metres from Larkwhistle the buzz, buzz calls of a Clay-colored Sparrow were clearly heard. We took the tour of Larkwhistle and all the fabulous flowers. When the tour was over it was 4 p.m. and we went our separate ways. On Sunday we added at least 17 more species to the group's bird list bring the weekend total up to at least 109 species of which 18 were warblers. While not recorded with the group, Sandhill Cranes were present this weekend. There were several calling around the Cape Chin North B & B Sunday morning.

Reported by John Miles.

26‐27 June 2004 Bruce Peninsula

Leader: John Miles.

From Hepworth Saturday morning, our caravan proceeded north on No. 6 and headed west at Clavering. At the end of this road, was a family of Brewer's Blackbirds and numerous Upland Sandpipers. En route to Sauble Falls, we had Pine Warblers, a male Scarlet Tanager and a Belted Kingfisher on the Rankin River. From Sauble Falls, we headed north and turned off the highway at the south road to Oliphant stopping a few 100 metres down the road. An adult Bald Eagle was observed soaring behind us. Along the shoreline, a Great Egret flew by.

At the Oliphant Fen, numerous fen plants were seen including butterwort, sundew, showy lady slippers, bog candles, rose begonia and grass pink. At the Rankin River on the Oliphant Road, the Osprey was home on the nest and Marsh Wrens were calling from the cattails. We proceeded over to No. 6 and headed north to Isaac Lake. Here a Trumpeter Swan was seen. Several Blue-winged Teal and a Green-winged Teal were observed. A rail tape was played and a distant Virginia Rail responded. The Sora tape produced a single reply, however, the calls of an American Bittern in the background of the tape brought a bittern out into plain sight. An adult Black-crowned Night Heron flew by.

Sky Lake was rather choppy with the strong wing, but we saw a Caspian Tern working the lake and a Pied-billed Grebe. We proceeded up the peninsula on the back roads while some took the scenic route to Black Creek Provincial Park. A walk back along the old trail produced an Olive-sided Flycatcher west of the beaver dam. At 5 p.m. we called it a day with the group day-list of 98 species. Sunday morning we reconvened at the Tobermory airport. Along the Cape Herd Road, we had good looks at Nashville Warblers and at least two different Northern Goshawks were seen, an adult male and female. The lake was fairly quiet bird wise, but a Common Tern did come fairly close.

We headed over to No. 6 and south to the restaurant on the Cameron Lake Rd. for coffee. South of the Cameron Lake Rd. we stopped at a cattail marsh on No. 6 and enticed a Sora out to the road which many saw at very close range. Turning off No 6 at the Dorcus Bay Rd. we headed west toward Singing Sands and had a pair of Sandhill Cranes right beside the road in the ditch.

We continued along the road towards Johnson's Harbor. We did have a Mourning Warbler calling consistently at one stop, but the bird was too far off the road to see. Just after leaving Johnson's Harbor, a Pileated Woodpecker flew across the road. Lunch was at the Crane River Picnic Grounds where the black flies were numerous. We explored the fern wall and then headed south on No. 6 stopping to have a look at the rare purple stem cliff break. A walk around the Dyers Bay junction alvar failed to produce many birds, but we had a look at the rare Robert's fern. We headed east on the Dyer's Bay Rd. stopping to look at the wall rue fern and then north on the Crane River Rd. At the big marsh a Virginia Rail responded to the tape and came out. In the distance to the west, the call notes of a Sedge Wren could be heard occasionally. The strong wind made it impossible to hear much at the Clay-color Sparrow location, so we headed onwards to Lark Whistle and a leisurely walk in the fabulous garden. Then we were off to Cabot's Head where we called it a day at 4 p.m. For the weekend, OFOers on the Bruce recorded approximately 114 species.

Reported by John Miles.

21‐22 June 2003 Bruce Peninsula

Leader: John Miles.

Twenty OFO members and friends met at 7 a.m. at Hepworth. We proceeded east to Shallow Lake and then northeast towards MacNabb Lake stopping at various spots to check out the extensive swamp. Numerous birds were seen and heard including a Blue-winged Warbler. We found a Great Egret close to the road. As we were headed back to MacNabb Lake side road a second Great Egret came in high up from the southeast. The walk on the side road to the lake produced several species of warblers including a calling Mourning Warbler which kept well hidden in the dense undergrowth.

After two hours we left MacNabb Lake and went back to Hepworth. We then proceeded east and then north on the first road at the edge of the village. Great views of a co-operative Indigo Bunting were obtained while a Vesper Sparrow called in the distance. A couple of distant calls of a Clay-colored Sparrow were heard by some. On the first road going east from the Zion Church Rd. in one of the swampy valleys along this road we had a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks circling overhead. On a tour through theback roads of Keppel township, a Black-and-white Warbler put on a close display. Back on the Zion Church Road we proceeded to the Oxeden Creek bridge where a Virginia Rail came within five feet.

Lunch was at the Lake Charles Conservation area where a Common Raven greeted our arrival and a Purple Finch bid us goodbye. At the Rankin River a pair of Ospreys were housekeeping. The west shoreline was not productive. It was a little breezy at Sky Lake for too much but a few Black Terns were over the reeds. Issac Lake was a little quiet as it was mid-afternoon but a Marsh Wren was calling. A single Sora call was heard. At the Goose impoundment an American Bittern stood out in the open for all to see. At the back parking lot by the lake the Ospreys were home on the nesting platform behind the privy. Both an American Bittern and an Adult Black-crowned Night-Heron did flybys low over the parking lot.

We continued north along No. 6 and had a Brewer's Blackbird just north of Mar We turned west off No. 6 and did a country block at the south end of the Ferndale flats finding another adult Black-crowned Night Heron in a ditch. The group cumulative total was up to 104 species with 14 species of warblers found.

At 7 a.m. Sunday morning, 14 OFO members reassembled at the Tobermory Airport. We proceeded with several stops up to Sunset Park at Cape Hurd. Here the highlight was a Merlin that flew a long way out into the lake, caught a prey and returned back to land. We eventually reached the Crane Lake Rd. where we had good looks at male Purple Finches. Further north the road through the swamp was a series of islands but still passable. While we tried for rails, four calling Sandhill Cranes came by headed towards Crane Lake. We later saw four more on the ground.

Just west of Lark Whistle a Clay-colored Sparrow was vocal and good views were had. We stopped at Lark Whistle to admire the floral display. While getting out of the cars a single Sandhill flew low over the parked cars. In mid afternoon several headed home while the rest wentto the Cabot Head lighthouse. Not much was seen although a few Common Mergansers were on the rocks beside the road. At the lighthouse the trees in flower were literally covered with clear wing moths, unbelievable numbers for this rarely seen species. The group broke up at 3 p.m.

The group total for the weekend was around 120 species.

Reported by John Miles.

15‐16 June 2002 Bruce Peninsula

Leader: John Miles.

Twenty OFO members started off at 7 a.m. from Hepworth Saturday morning and proceeded north up highway 6 stopping just before the Centre Diagonal Rd. In the second field to the west of the highway were a pair of Sandhill Cranes out in the hay. We turned west on the Centre Diagonal Rd. picking up various birds including Alder Flycatcher, Hermit Thrush and Purple Finch. On Side Road 15 we had a Common Snipe on a fence post and then an Upland Sandpiper. On the North Diagonal Road we spotted a Grasshopper Sparrow. On the Zion Church Road just before the 17th concession, several Turkey Vultures were near the road sunning while a Scarlet Tanager was singing high up. A Pileated Woodpecker decided to do a flyover. Continuing north, we stopped at the large swamp just south of Oxeden and saw a Blue-winged Teal. Three Virginia Rails came out into the open in response to a tape, while a Green Heron landed nearby. At the north end of the Swamp where the Oxeden Creek exits were Northern Rough-winged Swallow.

We headed east to the Lake Charles Conservation Park where we saw a Common Loon with young and an Osprey catching a fish. At the west end of the lake swimming off the reeds was a male Lesser Scaup. Two Caspian Terns were spotted across the lake. At Bruce's Caves we did some cave exploring and were rewarded with view of a Scarlet Tanager and an agitated Pileated Woodpecker. Heading north from Wiarton we stopped at Isaac Lake. At the bend at the north end of the marsh an adult Black-crowned Night Heron stood out in full view on the mud for the longest time. An American Bittern came in from the east and crossed the road before dropping in to the marsh. A very co-operative Sedge Wren put in an appearance. A Trumpeter Swan was in the ditch beside the road west of the bend along with a couple of Blue-winged Teal and a female Hooded Merganser. A co-operative Merlin flew over the group.

Onwards to Sky Lake where we heard the calls of a Pied-billed Grebe. Several Black Terns and a Common Tern flew over the lake. Going north we took the Howdenvale Rd. east to the Daddy Weir Road and then north stopping at a barn where Cliff Swallows nest under the eaves. By 5 p.m. when we broke up for the day the group had recorded about 97 species. We reconvened Sunday morning at 7 a.m. at the Wiarton Airport. A Mourning Warbler called a few times along the west side of the airport near the road. After the Tobermory Dump, we headed north along the McArthur Rd. Past the hay field on the east side of the road just north of 911 sign number 124 I heard an unfamiliar call. Out in the field 50-60 feet on top of the hay singing and facing us was a Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. A fantastic looking bird with it's deep ocher-yellow face and chest. The bird quickly dropped into the grass and disappeared.

The Cape Hurd Road produced several species of warblers including Canada and Northern Parula. At one little marsh a Sora responded to a tape coming right up to the group. Here also was the trip's second American Bittern. Along the Dorcas Bay Road we stopped for a singing Blue-headed Vireo. On the Dyer's Bay Road a group of Brewer's Blackbirds seemed to be having problems keeping Ring-billed Gulls away from their nests. Just west of Lark Whistle on the north side of Lindsey Rd. 40, a Clay Colored Sparrow was spotted sitting on a dead branch out in the open where it sat for 10-15 minutes allowing everyone great views through the scopes. Those with keen ears picked out a Golden-winged Warbler out in the field to the south. The group headed south on the East Road to Lindsay Rd. 5 and then south on the Cherry Hill Rd. where in a soy bean field a Horned Lark called. We then broke up having seen 80 species on Sunday. Over the two days about 115 species were recorded.

Reported by John Miles

16‐17 June 2001 Bruce Peninsula

Led by John Miles.

John took us to lovely areas rich in natural attributes. We had fine sunny weather with cooling Lake Huron and Georgian Bay breezes that created ideal birding conditions. About 36 people attended from all over Ontario. Collectively we saw about 115 species of birds during the two days. Here are the highlights in checklist order:

Osprey on the nest at Isaac Lake

Virgina Rail at Isaac Lake

Sandhill Crane flying over Isaac Lake

Upland Sandpiper on Limberlost Road

Common Snipe on fence post on Isaac Lake Road

A gull we believe was an adult Great Black-backed x Herring Gull hybrid standing beside a Great Black-backed Gull on the beach at Oliphant. Its mantle was darker grey than Herring Gull, and it was larger than the other Herring Gulls.

Black-billed Cuckoo at Larkwhistle

Pileated Woodpecker at Crane River

Alder and Willow Flycatchers in many places

Olive-sided Flycatcher at Black Creek Provincial Park

Cliff Swallow

Eastern Bluebird

Brown Thrasher

Pine Warbler at Singing Sands

Mourning Warbler at the Tobermory Dump

Scarlet Tanager

Brewer's Blackbird on Limberlost Road

Clay-colored, Field and Vesper Sparrows on Gillies Lake Road

On the way home, several of us saw a Ruffed Grouse shepherding chicks across the road from Cabot Head. I watched an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake crossing the same road. It rattled its tail at me!

The Bruce Peninsula's varied habitats include alvars. In addition to birds, the Bruce is famous for wild flowers, orchids, ferns and butterflies. We saw lots of Showy Lady's Slippers, Yellow Lady's Slippers, Lakeside Daisies, and Pitcher Plants. Rare ferns included Slender Cliffbrake, Purple-stemmed Cliffbrake, Robert's Fern, Wall Rue, and Maidenhair Spleenwort.

Reported by Jean Iron

17‐18 June 2000 Bruce Peninsula

Led by John Miles.

Jean Iron reports: The two-day OFO trip attracted about 40 birders. We started at Spirit Rock just north of Wiarton on Saturday, going north primarily on the west side of Highway 6, ending in the evening at Singing Sands in Bruce Peninsula National Park. Some stayed overnight in Tobermory. On Sunday we proceeded south mostly on the east side of Highway 6, ending at Bruce's Caves, east of Wiarton.

The group saw a total of 115 species of birds. Highlights included:

1.Several pairs of Brewer's Blackbirds on Limberlost Road.

2. A multitude of grassland birds such as Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, Eastern Bluebirds and Savannah Sparrows, also good views of Upland Sandpipers and Vesper Sparrows. On the way to Crane Lake we saw Clay-colored Sparrow, Sandhill Crane and a young Hairy Woodpecker sticking its head out of nest hole.

3. 16 species of breeding warblers.

4. A young Pileated Woodpecker sticking its head out of nest hole, Olive-sided Flycatcher and Mourning Warbler at Black Creek Provincial Park.

5. Virginia Rail, Black Tern, Osprey, Northern Harrier, American Bittern, Sedge Wren, Willow Flycatcher on Isaac Lake Road.

6. We also saw 21 species of ferns including the rare Robert's Fern, Wall Rue, Purple Stemmed Cliffbreak and Hart's Tongue Fern.

7. Wildflowers abounded on the Bruce Alvar. Among six orchid species seen was a late blooming Ram's Head Lady's-Slipper. The Bruce is a naturalist's dream.

Carden AlvarTop

14 June 2009 Carden Alvar

Leader: Dan Bone.

More than 40 Ontario Field Ornithologist members, some from as far afield as Ottawa and Woodstock, birded the Carden Area today in hot (for this year), sunny weather . Despite a relatively late start at 9 a.m. we recorded 75 species including most of the must‐have birds. We had decent views of Eastern Loggerhead Shrike through scopes; some good chances at Sedge Wren and Wilson's Snipe and excellent views of Grasshopper Sparrow. We only heard Upland Sandpiper in the morning but we did much better on a return trip later ( see below). We had Field Sparrow; some of us heard Vesper Sparrow but no one heard or saw a Clay‐colored Sparrow despite much effort. Eastern Towhees were calling all around us but we could only glimpse them.

After Wylie Road and lunch at the Kirkfield Locks we went north again to the Cameron Ranch to check out the new parking lot and trail. The ranch was very quiet although a distant shrike and half a Common Raven were spotted. We heard Sandhill Crane. We didn't have time to walk the trail‐ that could be a trip all by itself. Driving south to Prospect Marsh by way of Canal Lake we saw Osprey on the nest and gundog retriever trials in the small, posted wetland just south of County Road 48. Pity the poor, nesting Pied‐bill Grebes. We parked in the new Prospect Marsh parking lot, a long walk from the bridge, but were rewarded with "crippling" views of a family of Virginia Rails and a very cooperative American Redstart singing and posing out in the open over the road as we made our way to the main marsh. The new parking lot could accommodate only some of our 12 cars.

At the main marsh we saw a male Northern Harrier delivering food to what we assumed to be a nest out and down in the far reaches of the marsh. Most of us saw and heard Marsh Wrens; an American Bittern gave us a grand fly‐by and we heard Sora Rail and Moor Hen, two of which were seen briefly flying above the cattails ( by a lucky few). Speaking of luck, while a birder from another party was playing a recording of Least Bittern and while all eyes and ears strained in that direction a real Least Bittern flew from the marsh further up and crossed the road behind us. It was seen by only two members of our party who happened to be looking at a beaver (or something). Some of us think the Prospect birds are on to us with all our electronic gadgets that play the same bird from Louisiana singing the same song over and over.

At 3 p.m. most of our group said good‐bye but some 10 or 12 die‐hards agreed to return to Wylie Road to get better views of Upland Sandpiper and Golden‐winged Warbler and to try again for the elusive Clay‐colored Sparrow. They were amply rewarded even though the sparrow did not show. We had excellent views of a Blue‐winged Warbler and a Golden‐winged Warbler plus glimpses of a Chestnut‐sided Warbler and heard‐only Nashville Warbler and Ovenbird. We saw 6 or seven Upland Sandpipers, some very close on posts, and someone reported the other half of the Common Raven.

Other good birds: Swamp Sparrow, Willow Flycatcher, Indigo Bunting and Purple Finch.

Thanks to David Milsom and Eleanor Beagan who had my back the whole trip long and that fellow from Toronto whom I hope to meet again and who helped me keep the tally properly updated.

3 June 2007 Carden Alvar

Leader: Ron Pittaway.

The Carden Alvar is southern Ontario’s birding hotspot in late spring and early summer for grassland and scrubland specialties. Today, 44 OFO birders tallied a respectable 84 species in ideal weather (no rain, light breeze, no bugs) with pleasant temperatures. Best birds were a pair of Loggerhead Shrikes behind bluebird box 10, several Upland Sandpipers, Sedge Wrens, six Grasshopper Sparrows but only one Vesper Sparrow, singing Alder and Willow Flycatchers, and a singing Golden‐winged Warbler. The alvar meadows along Wylie Road were colourful with Prairie Smoke, Balsam Ragwort, Indian Paintbrush and Field Chickweed. We lunched at the Kirkfield Lift Lock. After lunch we birded the wetlands along Prospect Road where we had a pair of Green Herons, Marsh Wrens, Virginia Rail, Sora (a rail), Common Moorhen (also a rail) and a Clay‐colored Sparrow.

Mammals: The group saw a Porcupine in a tree along Wylie Road spotted by Jen Lyon. As I was putting together this post, Bob Healey emailed me to say that, “Shortly after leaving the OFO outing to the Carden Alvar today, a large Black Bear crossed the road. It was quite large and in excellent condition with a thick, black, glossy coat.”

Thanks to co‐leaders Ron Tozer and Jean Iron whose presence always guarantees that OFO field trips are a big success. Ron and I led our first OFO trip to the Carden Alvar in June 1991.

Reported by Ron Pittaway.

4 June 2006 Carden Alvar

Unknown to most birders until recently, the Carden Alvar is now Ontario’s birding hotspot in late spring and early summer for grassland and shrubland specialties. Today, 51 OFO birders enjoyed birding the Carden Alvar. We tallied a respectable 81 species in perfect weather (no rain, no humidity, a sun/cloud mix, light breeze, and no bugs) with pleasant temperatures that reached 22C or 72F. Best birds were an endangered Loggerhead Shrike in the scope, several Upland Sandpipers in display flights and calling, singing Sedge Wren in scope, Grasshopper Sparrow and singing Vesper Sparrow in scope, singing Alder Flycatcher in scope, Willow Flycatcher, and a singing Golden‐winged Warbler. Prairie Smoke, Carden’s signature wildflower, was at its peak, covering the meadows. We lunched at the Kirkfield Lift Lock where we had great views of a Green Heron in flight and perched in a dead tree. After lunch we toured Prospect Marsh where we heard Marsh Wrens and heard and saw a Virginia Rail. Along the causeway over Canal Lake, we saw an immature Bald Eagle and at times watched up to six Ospreys in view at one time. This must be one of the largest concentrations of Ospreys in Ontario.

Thanks to co‐leader Ron Tozer whose knowledge and enthusiasm of birds always guarantees that OFO trips are a big success. Ron and I led our first trip to Carden in June 1991. I’m grateful to the many experienced birders who helped new birders find lifers and year birds: Maris Apse, Eleanor Beagan, Dave Brewer, Sid and Dorothy Hadlington, Wendy Hunter, Derek and Jennifer Lyon, Naish McHugh, and Dave Milsom (OFO Trip Coordinator). Three Ottawa birders added considerable spirit to the group. We had a fine day’s birding.

Reported by Ron Pittaway.

5 June 2005 Carden Alvar

Leader: Ron Pittaway.

Today's field trip to the Carden Alvar drew 33 birders in pursuit of grassland and scrubland specialties. It rained before the trip when a cold front went through so it was pleasantly cool and dry in the morning while we walked along Wylie Road to the Sedge Wren Marsh. We saw a Loggerhead Shrike at the usual spot behind bluebird box 10. One of this pair, which has five young in its nest, is a captive bred bird released last summer on the Bruce Peninsula. Remarkably, it has relocated to the most famous shrike viewing spot in Canada - the hawthorn pasture behind bluebird box 10 along Carden's Wylie Road. This event demonstrates the vital importance of the captive breeding and release program in supplementing this endangered species, which continues to decline. We also had excellent views of several singing Sedge Wrens at the Sedge Wren Marsh. Alvar wildflowers such as Prairie Smoke and Indian Paintbrush were at peak adding much colour to the meadows. Butterflies seen included a Silvery Blue.

Highlights: We tallied 77 species including Osprey (several at nests), Vesper Sparrow (seen and heard well), Virginia Rail (seen and heard well), Upland Sandpiper (seen well and heard), Alder Flycatcher (heard), Loggerhead Shrike (excellent views through scopes), Sedge Wren (seen and heard well), Eastern Bluebird, Brown Thrasher, Golden-winged Warbler (heard well by all and seen by some), Eastern Towhee (heard), Bobolink (dozens), Grasshopper Sparrow (heard).

Reported by Ron Pittaway

6 June 2004 Carden Alvar

Leader: Ron Pittaway.

The trip to the Carden Alvar tallied 80 species of quality grassland and scrubland birds. We walked along Wylie Road to the Sedge Wren Marsh and then back to our cars parked opposite the small house where the road is wider. Most of the group had great views of Upland Sandpiper, Clay-colored Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Bluebird, Sedge Wren, and many other typical grassland species. We lunched at the Kirkfield Lift Lock. After lunch we found a pair of Loggerhead Shrikes in Eldon Township. At Prospect Marsh we saw and heard Marsh Wren and Virginia Rail, heard a Sora, and watched a young Great Horned Owl in an old Great Blue Heron nest. A Common Raven flew by at the marsh lending a northern touch to the trip. The OFO group of 60 people included three American birders from Ohio.

Reported by Ron Pittaway

3 June 2001 Carden Alvar, Victoria County

Led by Ron Pittaway.

The weather seemed menacing at times for the 11th annual OFO trip to the Carden Alvar, but we experienced only short periods of light rain and pleasant mild temperatures, which were ideal for birding. We had a picnic lunch at the Kirkfield Lift Lock. At one point the temperature reached 18C or 68F. About 45 people attended, some from Ohio, London and Brighton. We got most the target birds, which were lifers for many. Here are the highlights in checklist order.

American Bittern: Good views of standing and flying birds at the Sedge Wren Marsh.

Virginia Rail: Calling at Prospect Road Marsh.

Sora: Calling at Prospect Road Marsh.

Upland Sandpiper: Perched on a fence post along Wylie Road.

Common Snipe: Perched on a fence post along Wylie Road.

Black-billed Cuckoo: Some of the group had close views of two birds in shrubs and perched on a fence along Wylie Road.

Pileated woodpecker: One calling loudly near the Sedge Wren Marsh.

Alder Flycatcher: Good views of a singing male on a dead branch.

Loggerhead Shrike: Great views in the scope, including young being fed in the nest.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow: At the Lift Lock.

Cliff Swallow: At the Lift Lock.

Sedge Wren: Several seen singing at the Sedge Wren Marsh.

Marsh Wren: Several seen singing at the Prospect Road Marsh.

Eastern Bluebird: At nest boxes along Wylie Road.

Brown Thrasher: Singing along Wylie Road.

Eastern Towhee: Along Wylie Road.

Clay-colored Sparrow: Heard and seen in Eldon Township.

Vesper Sparrow: Along Wylie Road.

Grasshopper Sparrow: Along Wylie Road.

The Carden Alvar is super for grassland and scrubland birds in June The Kirkfield Lift Lock is 125 km (1.5 hours drive) from Toronto. To reach Wylie Road and the Sedge Wren Marsh, go 2.5 km north of the Lock, turn right on McNamee Road, then left almost immediately onto Wylie Road. It's 2.8 km to the Sedge Wren Marsh. It's easy to spend a day birding Wylie Road.

Reported by Ron Pittaway

4 June 2000 Carden Alvar, Victoria County

Led by Ron Pittaway.

The field trip to the Carden Alvar was a huge success. An overcast sky, light winds and a high of 17C made for ideal birding conditions. We recorded 89 species between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm. There were 75 mostly OFO members that included about 15 birders from the Haliburton Highlands Field Naturalist Club. We spent most of our time birding on foot along Wylie Road walking to the Sedge Wren marsh. We enjoyed a picnic lunch at the Lift Locks and after lunch we birded Canal Lake and Prospect Road marsh. I appreciate the assistance of co-leader Ron Tozer and experienced birders such as Jim Martin, Herb Elliot, Don Smith and others who helped new birders see many lifers.

Highlights were:

Loggerhead Shrike: Everybody wanted to see this specialty and endangered species. We had great views using telescopes.

Sedge Wrens: We had super views of several individuals of this elusive species at the Sedge Wren marsh.

American Bittern: Excellent views of flying birds at the Sedge Wren marsh.

Alder Flycatcher: A good close view of a singing male.

Common Snipe: Two birds winnowing overhead.

Common Nighthawk: Super views of several birds flying and calling at noon and others perched on a fence post and in a tree.

Brown Thrasher: Several males in full song.

Vesper Sparrow: Several males heard singing. One singing bird seen well by most people using a scope.

Clay-colored Sparrow: One male heard singing and seen by most people.

We also saw loads of Bobolinks, Eastern Bluebirds, Baltimore Orioles and Eastern Meadowlarks among our 89 species. Prairie Smoke, a characteristic alvar wildflower, was spectacular in the meadows. The group also saw Small Yellow Lady's Slipper Orchids.

For a complete guide and map to the Carden Alvar Birding Area, see the February issue of OFO News or the May, 2000 issue of ABA's Winging It.

Reported by Ron Pittaway

Manitoulin IslandTop

11‐12 April 2009 Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island

Leaders: Reta and Steve Hall and Rodney Campbell.

Eleven OFO members braved getting out of bed at 4:45 am and sub‐zero temperatures to view Sharp‐tailed Grouse on their lek. One count put the number at between 30 and 40 birds.

We observed 66 species on Manitoulin Island from Friday to Sunday. Some were observed by the group and others by individuals as they traveled to our meeting place. Sandhill Cranes flying and feeding in the fields were easy to locate. Other highlights included a mixture of lingering winter species and early spring arrivals. There 10 Bald Eagles of various ages seen together at the Causeway between Lake Wolsey and Campbell Bay. Also seen there were Great Blue Heron and Double‐crested Cormorants, four Tree Swallows, a Glaucous Gull and a flock of Snow Buntings.

We saw a Hoary Redpoll at Bridal Veil Falls along with Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins. We heard several American Woodcock and observed one. We also heard a Wilson's Snipe and saw Eastern Meadowlarks, Wild Turkey, Ring‐necked Pheasant and Ruffed Grouse.

OFO wishes to thank Reta and Steve Hall and Rodney Campbell for leading this trip.

Reported by Chester Gryski.

19‐20 April 2008 Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island

Leader: Steve Hall

In perfect weather on Saturday and Sunday, members of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) attended the 12th annual Manitoulin Island trip to view Sharp‐tailed Grouse at the Gore Bay Airport. From a blind we watched about 50 Sharp‐tailed Grouse dancing and cooing on this large lek. Other sightings on Manitoulin included two Bald Eagle nests, dancing Sandhill Cranes, several Brewer’s Blackbirds, many Rusty Blackbirds, two Upland Sandpipers, a Short‐eared Owl, Pileated Woodpeckers, an adult Glaucous Gull, Pine Warblers and Brown Thrashers.

For information on Sharp‐tailed Grouse see account in the new Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas by Nick Escott and the two articles by Harry Lumsden in the Canadian Field‐Naturalist, vol. 119, no. 4, 2005.

Don Barnett coordinated the trip. OFO thanks our Manitoulin hosts, Steve and Reta Hall, Sylvia Kemp‐Fletcher, Rodney Campbell and The Friends of Misery Bay for their hospitality and for showing us the Sharp‐tailed Grouse.

Reported by Jean Iron.

‐ 14 April 2007 Manitoulin Island

Leader: Steve Hall.

In perfect birding weather on Saturday and Sunday, 14 and 15 April, members of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) attended the 11th annual outing to Manitoulin Island to view a Sharp‐tailed Grouse lek at Gore Bay Airport. From the blind we had close views of up to 80 Sharp‐tailed Grouse dancing and displaying on this large lek. See photos here.

After viewing the grouse we looked for other Manitoulin birds. This spring is particularly good for raptors presumably because there is a high meadow vole population. We saw about 90 Rough‐legged Hawks, 60 Northern Harriers and 60 American Kestrels attracted to the vole prey. There were 13 Short‐eared Owls between Gore Bay and the airport. We also saw 15 Bald Eagles and 2 Merlins. Other Manitoulin highlights included two Bald Eagle nests, Red‐tailed Hawk nest, Common Raven nest, Great Horned Owl nest, 75 displaying Sandhill Cranes, several Northern Shrikes, 4 Pileated Woodpeckers, Snow Buntings and an adult Glaucous Gull.

Don Barnett coordinated this memorable outing. OFO thanks our Manitoulin hosts, Steve and Reta Hall, Sylvia Kemp‐Fletcher, Rodney Campbell and The Friends of Misery Bay for their splendid hospitality and for showing us the Sharp‐tailed Grouse.

Reported by Jean Iron.

8‐9 April 2006 Sharp‐tailed Grouse Lek, Manitoulin Island

Nineteen members of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) attended the 10th annual Sharp‐tailed Grouse viewing weekend on Manitoulin Island. On Saturday and Sunday, 8 and 9 April 2006, from the blind we had close views of about 40 Sharp‐tailed Grouse dancing and displaying on their lek at Gore Bay Airport. The weather was perfect for us to enjoy Manitoulin’s birds. Other highlights included three Bald Eagle nests, Common Ravens on the nest, a pale “Snyder’s“ Great Horned Owl (scalariventris), many Sandhill Cranes with several pairs dancing, a Glaucous Gull, displaying American Woodcock and Wilson’s Snipe, Snow Buntings, a Lapland Longspur, both light and dark morph Rough‐legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, and several Northern Shrikes.

Don Barnett coordinated this memorable trip. We thank our Manitoulin hosts Steve and Reta Hall, Sylvia Kemp‐Fletcher, Rodney Campbell, Doreen Bailey and The Friends of Misery Bay for showing us the Sharp‐tailed Grouse and for their outstanding hospitality.

Reported by Jean Iron.

9‐10 April 2005 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek, Manitoulin Island

The Ontario Field Ornithologists (OF) held its 9th annual field trip on Saturday and Sunday to see and hear displaying Sharp-tailed Grouse on Manitoulin Island. The birding and scenery are outstanding on Manitoulin, which is the largest freshwater island in the world. There were 35 to 50 grouse dancing on the lek at Gore Bay. We had close views from the blind. Other sightings on Manitoulin included many Greater Sandhill Cranes, Short-eared Owl, four Bald Eagle nests, Northern Ravens at a nest, Glaucous Gull, Merlins, Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspurs, a Vesper Sparrow, Northern Shrikes, displaying American Woodcock and Wilson's Snipe. For their fine northern hospitality and for showing us the Sharp-tailed Grouse. OF thanks our hosts Steve and Rita Hall, Roy and Rodney Campbell, Sylvia Fletcher, Doreen Bailey and the Friends of Misery Bay. Don Barnett once again coordinated this memorable trip. Don already has made arrangements for next year's trip.

Reported by Jean Iron

10‐11 April 2004 Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island, Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek

OFO's Easter weekend trip to see and hear Sharp-tailed Grouse on Manitoulin Island was a great success. There were about 60 grouse displaying on the lek at Gore Bay. Everyone got close views from the hide.

Other sightings were an adult Ross's Goose, a pale "Snyder's" Great Horned Owl on the same nest as last year, many Sandhill Cranes, several Short-eared Owls, three Bald Eagle nests, dark and light morph Rough-legged Hawks, many male Northern Harriers, and displaying American Woodcock and Wilson's Snipe.

We thank Steve and Rita Hall, Roy Campbell and the Friends of Misery Bay for showing us the Sharp-tailed Grouse and for their outstanding hospitality.

Reported by Jean Iron

12 April 2003 Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island

Leader: Steve Hall.

At dawn, all 17 participants saw about 30 Sharp-tailed Grouse at the lek at Gore Bay Airport. From the hide, we had outstanding views of the displaying grouse as they cooed and cackled and vibrated their upright tail feathers. Their golden eyebrows and purple sacs became more vivid as daylight came. Still at the airport, we saw a juvenile gray morph Gyrfalcon in a low tree on the shore of Bayfield Sound. With permission we walked out to get a close view.

Afterwards, Steve Hall and Roy and Rodney Campbell showed us around Manitoulin. The lakes, bays and marshes were still frozen. The only open water was at The Narrows between Bayfield Sound and Lake Wolsey where there was a good concentration of ducks. Other highlights were: one adult male Barrow's Goldeneye at The Narrows, one adult pale Great Horned Owl on the nest near Indian Hill, many pairs of Sandhill Cranes, adult Bald Eagle at the airport, Bald Eagles building a nest along Highway 540 just past Misery Bay, several Rough-legged Hawks, Common Raven on the nest near Gore Bay.

During the weekend, Don Barnett, David Mudd, David Szmyr and I also saw: five Pileated Woodpeckers 15 Rough-legged Hawks on Barrie Island, Red-bellied Woodpecker on Barrie Island, seven Northern Harriers, mostly adult males, pair of Bald Eagles at nest on island in Ice Lake; several immature Bald Eagles, 10 Sharp-tailed Grouse in a field beside County Road 540 between Bowser's Corners and Kagawong American Woodcock displaying.

OFO thanks Steve and Rita Hall for hosting breakfast. Steve Hall and Roy and Rodney Campbell kindly showed us the bird sights on Manitoulin. Many thanks to The Friends of Misery Bay for arranging with the Gore Bay Airport for us to use their building and go on their property to see this spectacular Sharp-tailed Grouse lek.

To reach Gore Bay take Highway 6 south from Espinola to Little Current, then Highway 540. Birding is productive driving the main roads and the back roads.

Reported by Jean Iron

13 April 2002 Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island

Leader: Steve Hall.

The primary goal was to see the Sharp-tailed Grouse at a lek. Mission accomplished. About 15 of us, in two shifts in the blind, were treated to an awesome display by 50+ grouse. The weather was perfect and the grouse were sometimes as close as 15 feet.

Steve Hall, our host at the lek, kindly took us birding around the area. Thanks to Steve we saw a Raven on a nest (on top of a silo) and a Barred Owl. While checking out a field full of Canada Geese, etc., we found a White-Fronted Goose. I believe it was of the Greenland race, although the bill looked more orange than yellow.

Other personal sightings from a total of 50+ species, included:

Bald Eagles (2)

Sandhill Cranes (quite a few of these in the fields).

Wild Turkeys (2 males / 2 females).

Osprey (1, at nest).

Common Loons (4)

Wood Ducks (2 males / 2 females).

Pied-billed Grebe.

12 other species of duck (Common Mergansers and Goldeneye were particularly abundant).

Merlins (a pair, coupling).

Snipe (1)

Rough-Legged Hawks (several).

Ring-necked Pheasants (2 female).

Recent migrants (kinglets, Eastern Phoebes, Brown Creepers, Northern Flickers, Hermit Thrushes, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Killdeer, Tree Swallows, Turkey Vultures, Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, Eastern Meadowlarks and Eastern Bluebirds) were also seen.

Birds not seen by me, but seen by other OFO members on this trip, included a Ruffed Grouse and three Pileated Woodpeckers.

Reported by Ian Cannell

Minesing SwampTop

2 May 2009 Minesing Swamp

Leader: Dave Milsom.

A group of 30 birders enjoyed a productive day in and around Minesing Swamp. Despite the afternoon showers, we obtained several good sightings. Altogether 85 species were recorded.

Best finds were a calling Barred Owl on territory, a pair of Blue‐headed Vireos nest‐building, a 1st‐year Bald Eagle circling overhead for 5 minutes, Grasshopper Sparrow, 7 Sandhill Cranes close to the road in a cornfield, a Pileated Woodpecker, 7 Northern Waterthrush, 8 Yellow‐bellied Sapsuckers, a Common Raven, a dark morph Rough‐legged Hawk, Wild Turkey, 2 pairs of Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, Least Flycatcher, 2 Yellow Warblers, Black‐throated Green Warbler, Brown Creeper, both Kinglets, singing Purple Finch, and a pair of Rose‐breasted Grosbeaks.

Numerous Yellowlegs of both species were found on Mackinnon Road (plus a Solitary Sandpiper). However, the flooding in this area was the highest in 42 years according to a local farmer so many more shorebirds should appear throughout May as the waters recede.

We saw 12 species of duck, 5 shorebird species and 5 warbler species. Thanks to everyone for a great day.

27 April 2008 Minesing Swamp

Leader: Dave Milsom.

49 birders joined the OFO outing today to Minesing Swamp. 79 species were recorded. Best finds were a Ruff on McKinnon Road at the new service road to the west marked “ environmentally sensitive“. It was partially black on the hood and neck. Altogether 8 species of shorebirds and 14 waterfowl species were seen, including Solitary and Pectoral Sandpiper, Dunlin and Wilson’s Snipe, Northern Pintail, Redhead and both Teal. Other good finds were singing Pine Warbler, Northern Waterthrush and Purple Finch, Ruffed Grouse, Bald Eagle, Cliff Swallow, 4 Common Ravens, and 5 Woodpecker species.

Reported by Dave Milsom.

28 April 2007 Minesing Swamp

Leader: Dave Milsom.

Twenty birders saw 76 species today in and around Minesing Swamp near Angus. Best finds were 6 Sandhill Cranes at the swamp overlook, a flock of 80 Rusty Blackbirds on McKinnon Road, 3 Pine Warblers, Wild Turkey, Ruffed Grouse, Ring‐necked Pheasant, Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, Eastern Towhee, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Phoebe, Yellow‐bellied Sapsuckers, Winter Wren, Purple Finch, Wilson’s Snipe, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Pied‐billed Grebes, Caspian Tern, many ducks, several raptor and sparrow species, and a pair of Barred Owls .

Also seen were Cliff, Tree, Barn and Northern Rough‐winged Swallows and a Chimney Swift. Animals included Coyote, White‐tailed Deer, Porcupine, Beaver and Muskrat.

Reported by Dave Milsom.

30 April 2005 Minesing Swamp and Area

Leader: Dave Milsom.

Twenty intrepid OF members birded Minesing Swamp near Angus today. Weather was better than expected with periods of drizzle failing to dampen participants' spirits. Much of the area covered was still in flood. Sixty-three species were found. Highlights: 200 Rusty Blackbirds, 400 Northern Pintail, large numbers of Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck; a pair of Sandhill Cranes, Rough-legged Hawk, Wild Turkey, Ruffed Grouse, Winter Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Caspian Tern, Purple Finch, and Brown Creeper. There were also good numbers of Eastern Meadowlarks, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs.

Reported by Dave Milsom

25 April 2004 Minesing Swamp and Area

Leader: Maris Apse.

About 30 stalwart souls in about 18 vehicles braved the raw weather and were able to keep their spirits and good humour intact to enjoy some interesting bird sightings. From the Angus Tim Horton's we followed Dave Milsom's route (OFO NEWS - Feb 2003). On the north side of #90 west of Sunnidale Rd. we had a dozen or more Wild Turkey, including at least three toms. Some saw five Evening Grosbeak and an Eastern Phoebe en route and at the McKinnon Road/2nd.Concession "big wet" we counted over 100 Northern Pintail, 30+ Ring-necked Duck, Northern Shoveller, Bufflehead, Green and Blue-winged Teal, Mallard, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe and a flyover of 7 Wood Duck. We had great views of more than 30 Greater Yellowlegs and as we were leaving a flock of Pectoral Sandpiper leapt out of hiding for an exciting fly around. There were many Tree Swallows and a few Barn Swallows hugging the water desperately seeking sustenance.

The feeders at the end of McKinnon had the usual feeder birds and we carried on to our next stop at the end of Baldwick Lane. We had a Brown Thrasher, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Winter Wren and Rusty Blackbird en route to where Barred Owls were located last year. We dipped on luring these to within earshot, but did manage to upset a Porcupine, who trundled off grumbling. A possible Ruffed Grouse was spotted by a few. Along Pine Grove Road, some sharp-eyed members spotted Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Meadowlark and Belted Kingfisher. We walked the Old Rail trail to the overlook adding Northern Flicker, Black-capped Chickadee and Hermit Thrush to our day list.

At the north end of the village of Minesing we drove west to the end of Ronald Road seeing 2 (Prairie) Horned Lark en route. We saw our first 2 Red-tailed Hawk of the day and walking down the lane to the flooded Nottawasaga River, found a well scavenged Wild Turkey carcass, but no-one wanted to make a wish. We had both Downy and Hairy Woodpecker in the wet woodland and 4 Wilson's Snipe overhead. The list for the day was 57 species.

Reported by Maris Apse

28 April 2002 Minesing Swamp and Area

Leader: Dave Milsom.

Fourteen very hardy (foolhardy?) birders braved the thunderstorms, lightning and pouring rain to check out the Minesing Swamp area near Angus today. Despite the weather, 60 species were found, including up to 1,000 Northern Pintail, Evening Grosbeak, Purple Finch, Pine and Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Wild Turkey, Rusty Blackbird, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Hermit Thrush, Winter Wren, Savannah Sparrow, and great looks at a pair of Barred Owls. Directions to the swamp: From Toronto, go north up Highway 400, then take Highway 90 west towards Angus. Various access points to the swamp to the north can be taken off #90, such as McKinnon, Sunnidale and George Johnston Road (#28).

Reported by Dave Milsom

29 April 2001 Minesing Swamp

Led by Dave Milsom.

On a gorgeous Spring day, 29 OFO participants headed for the new location of Minesing Swamp, 50 square kms of swamp, fen, boreal and carolinean forest, willow carr and bottomlands, lying in between the towns of Barrie and Angus. Because so much of this Ramsar Convention on Wetlands site is inaccessible without a canoe, we drove to as many peripheral sections as possible. We were rewarded with a total of 71 species, including numerous ducks and raptors. We counted 27 Great Blue Heron nests from a distant but spectacular overlook from an ancient terrace of a glacial lake.

Of the many birds, most notable were Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (copulating), Yellow-rumped Warbler (also copulating), Black-throated Green Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Pied-billed Grebe, Osprey, Broad-winged Hawk, Redhead, Canvasback, Winter Wren, Pileated Woodpecker, Vesper Sparrow, Pectoral Sandpiper, Ruffed Grouse, Eastern Bluebird. We also saw a River Otter, Porcupine, Garter Snake, Green, Leopard and Wood frogs, Green Darner Dragonflies and Spring Azure, Mourning Cloak, Comma, Painted Lady and Red Admiral butterflies. Early flowers included Marsh Marigold, Skunk Cabbage, Trout Lily and Coltsfoot.

To reach this area, drive west on Highway 90 from Highway 400 at Barrie, or east from the town of Angus. Drive to the northern end of Mackinnon, Vespra Concessions 12 and 13, to the Rail trail west of Concession Rd. 28 (George Johnston Rd), and to the western end of Jodrup from the village of Minesing.

Reported by Dave Milsom

Tiny MarshTop

26 April 2009 Tiny Marsh

Leader: Ron Fleming.

The OFO trip to Tiny Marsh was reduced to about 2.5 hours of rain‐birding before we packed it in at lunch time. Still, we managed to find a few warblers (Pine, Yellow‐rumped, and Yellow), several sparrow species, a modest variety of ducks (Hooded Merganser, Green‐winged Teal, and American Wigeon being the most noteable), several Ruby‐crowned Kinglets, and a very early Black‐bellied Plover in basic plumage showing its black axillars and calling "peeeeee" as it flew by. (Unfortunately, with the line of almost 40 rain‐soaked participants spread out along the trail with hoods up and heads down, only three of us observed it.)

Wayne and Fran Bullock trudged onward into the open marsh while the rest of us headed for shelter. The Bullock’s managed to observe an American Bittern, Green Heron, a pair of Northern Shoveler, and a Northern Harrier, among other things.

Outside the Tiny Marsh property Kevin Shackleton and I observed an Eastern Meadowlark and two Wild Turkeys. Two other birders scouting the area in the nearby hamlet of Perkinsfield (near Balm Beach) had both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and Wilson’s Snipe.

Many thanks to those who came out in bad weather to give this trip “the old college try”.

20 April 2008 Tiny Marsh

Leader: Ron Fleming

Today’s trip to Tiny Marsh northwest of Barrie took place under sunny skies and unseasonably warm temperatures. These conditions brought out a hatch of midges and/or gnats that formed some pretty impressive clouds of insect life as we walked the 8 km dike trail. For some people the heat and the bugs were a little overwhelming, so what started off as a group of about 35 people was whittled down to about 15 participants by lunchtime.

Species total for the day was 61, about average for this hike. Highlights of the collective list were: Peregrine Falcon, Sandhill Crane, American Bittern, Osprey, Caspian Tern, Rusty Blackbird, Yellow‐rumped and Pine Warblers, Wild Turkey, Wood Duck, White‐crowned and White‐throated Sparrows, Brown Creeper, Northern Harrier, Pied‐billed Grebe and American Coot. We observed 13 ducks species as well.

I’d like to thank all of those who came out for this annual trip, especially the dozen or so sun‐reddened souls who were able to do the full day. I thoroughly enjoyed your company and the good camaraderie ‐ to me that’s more than half the fun of such trips.

Reported by Ron Fleming.

22 April 2007 Tiny Marsh

Leader: Ron Fleming.

Thirty‐six OFO members and friends joined me today for a very enjoyable day of birding at this impressive wetland northwest of Barrie.

Collectively, 64 species were observed and, interestingly, we missed six that I found while scouting earlier in the week. The most notable of the missed birds was a Short‐eared Owl, which I flushed from the dike trail on Friday, but we made up for that with superb looks at an adult Bald Eagle that flew over us at the gate to the dike trail.

Waterfowl, not surprisingly, were out in big numbers. There were numerous Pied‐billed Grebes, three Common Loons (two fly‐overs and one swimming), a single American Coot, and 14 duck species including Northern Pintail, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Hooded Merganser, and both teal. A steady west wind in the morning provided a good hawk flight and ‐ largely due to the sharp eyes of Don Pye ‐ we observed eight raptor species including the eagle, a pair of resident Osprey, four Rough‐legged Hawks (three light morphs and one dark),several Northern Harriers, an American Kestrel, and two Sharp‐shinned Hawks.

Tree and Barn Swallows were observed hawking insects over the marsh, and we also had Caspian Tern, Greater Yellowlegs, and the first warbler of the spring for many: Yellow‐rumped Warbler. Target species Sandhill Crane did not disappoint, doing a lot of bugling and at least one excellent fly‐over. Near the end of the day we had one standing in the marsh grasses not far from "Mole Mountain".

While we were admiring him we added Northern Shoveler, American Black Duck, and a very entertaining Virginia Rail that gave everyone a chance to see this secretive species out in the open.

Don Pye flushed an American Woodcock while most of us were eating sandwiches at lunch, Howard Davidson had two American Pipits on the Tiny‐Flos Line on his way back from fetching lunch in Elmvale, and Neil Baker had a Winter Wren in a similar solo venture, but we all congregated after lunch to enjoy excellent looks at Brown Creeper and Rusty Blackbird on the little boardwalk leading toward the Meadowlark Trail. Some of us heard Eastern Meadowlarks singing at the corner of Tiny‐Flos Townline and County Road 29 on the way in.

Mammal species observed included Muskrat and River Otter, the latter being a very pleasant surprise. Many thanks to all who participated for sharing their enthusiasm, knowledge, and keen eyes with me on this enjoyable nature walk. To Don, Neil, Jean Iron, and Gord Cameron, in particular, thanks for the invaluable help.

Reported by Ron Fleming.

23 April 2006 Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area

It rained half the way up and all the way back between Newmarket and Elmvale, but Tiny Marsh itself sat under an apparent protect‐bubble from 9:15 to 3:15 today when 28 stalwart birders joined me, Ron Fleming, for the annual OFO hike to that provincial wildlife area west of Barrie. Collectively we recorded 62 species (63 if you count Trumpeter Swan), the most notable of which were: Wilson’s Snipe, Common Loon, American Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Broad‐winged Hawk, Merlin, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Greater Yellowlegs, Sandhill Crane, Caspian Tern, Yellow‐bellied Sapsucker, American Coot, Pied‐billed Grebe, Brown Creeper, Eastern Meadowlark, Wild Turkey, Belted Kingfisher and White‐throated Sparrow. There were also several Ruby‐crowned Kinglets and Eastern Phoebes, 12 species of ducks, and at least two hundred Tree and Bank Swallows.

Surprisingly, we did not observe any warblers, but then again, we did not observe any raindrops either (at least until 3:00). All things considered, it was an excellent day of spring birding, even without the sunshine. Many thanks to those of you who came out.

Tiny Marsh is west of Barrie and east of Wasaga Beach, just north of the town of Elmvale.

Reported by Ron Fleming.

24 April 2005 Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area

Leader: Ron Fleming.

Twelve stalwart birders joined me at Tiny Marsh northwest of Barrie today for what turned out to be a very decent day of birding. The weather was indeed wet and cool at times, but not nearly as bad as what had been forecast. We had to work for our birds early in the day, but at the end of our day's hiking we had seen 55 species at the marsh. A smaller group of us added another 9 species northwest of Newmarket late in the afternoon to bring that total up to 64 for the day.

Interesting birds seen at Tiny Marsh included eleven duck species, numerous Pied-billed Grebes, at least four male and three female Northern Harriers, two Sandhill Cranes that flew right over us as we walked along the dike trail, a trio of Bonaparte's Gulls doing their tern-like calls, two vocalizing American Bitterns (one of which gave us a nice fly-by), four Caspian Terns two Osprey, about 20 Yellow-rumped Warblers, two Pine Warblers a Red-bellied Woodpecker two Sharp-shinned Hawks, one Wild Turkey, a Marsh Wren, several Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and a group of approximately 1,000 swallows mainly comprised of Tree Swallows, but which included several Barn and - to our pleasant surprise - two Cliff Swallows.

While eleven of us were out hiking the dike trail during an almost balmy lull in the misty weather, our "twelfth man" back at the parking lot observed one of the aforementioned Sharp-shinned Hawks taking a Yellow Warbler from a branch near the main building. Late in the day, after leaving Tiny Marsh, five of us drove south to the flooded fields between Bradford and Newmarket. As soon as we arrived at the north end of Bathurst Street we were treated to excellent views of the Long-billed Dowitcher discovered there yesterday. There were also several Greater Yellowlegs, at least two Lesser Yellowlegs, and several Caspian Terns at this location. These flooded sod fields look very promising for shorebirds over the next few weeks. At nearby Hochreiter Road, we observed two Common Snipe, several Northern Shovelers, about 25 American Wigeon, and a minimum of 200 Northern Pintail and 200 Green-winged Teal.

Ron Fleming, Newmarket

Tiny Marsh is about a 20 minute drive northwest of Barrie and about 10 minutes east of Wasaga Beach.

The section of Bathurst Street described above is actually on the western edge of Holland Landing and the eastern edge of Bradford. It is accessible by turning north from Yonge Street on the stretch of road that runs north out of Newmarket toward Bradford. There is a stoplight that indicates Bathurst Street north.

17 April 2004 Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area

After running the gauntlet of a nasty morning's seemingly endless cloud cover, several sobering flashes of scope-discouraging lightning, and several bothersome bouts of binocular-clouding rains, 40 hardy participants on today's OFO trip to Tiny Marsh were eventually rewarded with balmy temperatures, clear blue skies and a very nice assortment of spring arrivals. As the day steadily improved, so did the birding - by the time the last eight stalwart birders packed things in at 5:00 p.m., the group's collective list had reached 64 species.

Highlights included several good looks (and listens) at Sandhill Cranes, two American Bitterns, a lone Great Egret, our first two warbler species of the spring (Yellow-rumped and Pine), 14 duck species, two Osprey, six Wild Turkeys, numerous Tree Swallows and a single Barn Swallow, a very early Great Crested Flycatcher, several Rusty Blackbirds, and - perhaps most surprising of all - a Short-eared Owl flying along the dike trail. Other spring arrivals of interest were several Eastern Phoebes, Eastern Meadowlarks, Pied-billed Grebes, Northern Harriers, Belted Kingfishers and a Fox Sparrow.

Many thanks to those of you who joined me hiking and birding around this beautiful wetland. You are great sports for having stuck with it during those gray and gloomy hours before the weather turned. Tiny Marsh is northwest of Barrie.

Reported by Ron Fleming

27 April 2003 Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area

Leader: Ron Fleming:

OFO's trip to Tiny Marsh attracted about 30 participants who collectively observed about 60 birds species. It was a beautiful day with perfect lighting for bird observation. Highlights included: Sandhill Crane (5); Snow Goose - one dark adult "blue goose" morph (1), it was migrating with a wild flock of Canada Geese numbering in the thousands which landed in the marsh; Osprey (3 in an interesting social interaction near the nest); Caspian Tern (3); Northern Harrier (3 males); 12 duck species including Wood Duck, American Wigeon, Redhead and Hooded Merganser; Yellow-rumped Warbler (30+); Pine Warbler (6); and American Bittern (5), one of which posed beautifully for all of us to observe for several minutes. We also had a Tree Sparrow and an early (relative to Tiny Marsh's location) Barn Swallow. Many thanks to those who participated - a marvellous group to hike with!

Directions: Tiny Marsh is northwest of Barrie, accessible by exiting Hwy. 400 at Bayfield Ave. in Barrie, then following it steadily northwest, through Elmvale. Approx. two kms north of Elmvale you cross the Wye River. Take a left at Regional Rd. 6 just after this and follow it about 2 more kms to the Tiny-Flos Townline, which is also known as Concession 1. There is a large sign indicating Tiny Marsh. Turn left (west) and drive about 3kms to the main parking lot. Park and hike from here. The 8 km dike trail is east of the nature centre; the shorter woodland trails (including a boardwalk section) are west.

Reported by Ron Fleming