Black Rapids and Milton Road

March 22, 2020

We had a hunch there might be some goodies at Black Rapids, but Common Goldeneyes were the best birds we found.

We then went out Leitrim Road all the way to Russell Road looking for raptors, but there were none around.  When we reached Milton Road, we finally found a bit of open water.  We saw both the hybrid Ross's x Snow Goose, and a couple of Snow Geese in among the throngs of Canada Geese.

We looked briefly for the Mockingbird, but not finding it, we checked out the Common Ravens' nest.  The nest was in good shape, but we didn't see the birds.

Greater White-fronted and Ross's Goose at Carp

March 21, 2020

We got a RBA from Jeff Skevington and left within the hour.  When we arrived there were a few vehicles and Jeff was still there.  He described to us where both species were located in among a sea of Canadas.  Although we had good scope views, they were a bit distant for regular photography, but we tried anyway.  The Ross's was first thought to be a hybrid with Snow Goose, but the "experts" have now changed their minds.

Before long, we got really cold with the bitter wind chill.  So we got the heater going and went back via March Road and Marchurst, heading for Dunrobin to check out the Raven nest.  Looks like she may be sitting on eggs.

We carried on to Vance's Side Road to look for bluebirds, but found many deer instead.

We took Greenland Road to see if there was anything at the hawk watch site, but it was quiet.  So we carried on to 5th Line, once again looking for bluebirds.  Finally we spotted a male on on a wire, but it took off across the road to join a female in a bush. They both left before we could snap a photo, but we found a chickadee constructing a nest in the same shrub.

We went up and down Berry trying to find the bluebirds, then returned to 5th Line to see the male on a wire.  This time we got some shots.

Before leaving 5th Line for home, we saw more deer and a flock of at least 20 Wild Turkeys.

A Super Finch Outing on Eardley-Masham

March 18, 2020

It was a beautiful morning, so we headed out at 9:30 to look for crossbills.  We had barely turned onto Eardley Road when we spotted 2 Red-tailed Hawks in the same tree.

The rest of the trip on Hwy 148 was uneventful.  We turned onto the Eardley-Masham Road and checked out the feeder.  Lots of Red-winged Blackbirds.

We stopped at the base of the escarpment and scanned.  After a bit we saw 2 Bald Eagles way in the distance, but they quickly vanished.

We went up the steep hill and came to birds on the road - Red Crossbills.

They flew up, but we could still hear them, so parked and walked the road.  Soon we saw a mixed flock.  Most were Red Crossbills, but where were a few Pine Siskins and White-winged Crossbills too.

We drove on a little further and saw another large flock on the road.

We got back in the car and were surprised to see a couple of Purple Finches come on to the road near us.

We could not believe our good luck.  We drove back down to Hwy 148 and checked Ch. Therrien.  Here we saw another Red-tailed Hawk soaring.

If that was not enough, we spotted one of the first Red-tails flying about where we had seen the pair.
A great day of self isolation from COVID-19.

A 4 Goose Day

March 17, 2020

After lunch we got a RBA that 3 Greater White-fronted Geese were on Barnsdale near the corner of Eagleson; off we went.

When we arrived there were a few people already there, so it was no problem to find the geese in among the Canada Geese and Mallards.  Unfortunately, all three were sleeping, so we did not get great photos.

Someone said that there was a Snow Goose and some Cackling Geese just around the corner, so we went there.

We have to take their word for the Cackling Geese.  We went out to nearby Rushmore and saw several individual Horned Larks.

Then we went o Bruce's house to check on flooding (none!), then stopped at Baseline and Greenbank to see the nesting Ravens.  Langis thinks they are just trying out the nest and are not incubating yet.

Raven Quest

March 16, 2020

Having already observed ravens nesting at Baseline and Greenbank last week, we headed out to Dunrobin to see if the nest built last year (but not used) would be occupied this year.  First we stopped on Carling Ave. at the Rogers tower.  The nest is there, but we did not see the birds.

So, on to Dunrobin.  We first spotted a raven across the road on the ground which soon flew up to a tree.

A quick look at the silo revealed a raven on the nest.

We cruised some of the back roads around Dunrobin hoping to see bluebirds, but were unsuccessful.  On Berry Sideroad, we did get a quick close view of a large soaring buteo which appeared all white from underneath.  Perhaps a Red-shouldered Hawk?

Before going home, we decided to check the Canadian Tire Centre for ravens.  Sure enough, the nest on the north side was occupied.

Last year, they used the south side, so we walked around to view the unoccupied nests.

It had been a productive day.