Twenty-two birders braved the cold, snow and wind yesterday to record a total of 29 species on our annual Ontario Field Ornithologists January 1st outing. Our best sightings were a Hoary Redpoll with a large flock of Common Redpolls at a feeder on Library Road, off Northey’s Bay Road near Petroglyphs Provincial Park. Nearby 2 more redpoll flocks were seen, as well as a flock of over 30 Evening Grosbeaks. Other finds included 45 Wild Turkeys, 2 Bald Eagles, a 1st-year Iceland Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull, Snowy Owl (at Little Lake in Peterborough), both nuthatches, and several Common Ravens.
Many thanks to Martin Parker and Matthew Tobey for co-leading the tour. Birders are reminded to check the OFO website for upcoming field trips.
Happy New Year !
Dave Milsom
Evening Grosbeak (male) – Gord Belyea
Hoary Redpoll (L) & Common Redpoll – Wikimedia (Note how white the Hoary is – like hoar frost!)
