Drew Monkman

The first Turkey Vulture of the spring arrived today and is roosting in a row of tall cedars in the west end of Peterborough. Most years, as many as 10 vultures show up during spring migration and all roost together in the same stand of spruce. During the day, they Read more…

A Brush Wolf (Coyote) has been hanging out on the west side of Chemong Road, north of the Parkway Trail towards the Simmons subdivision. Instead of a howl, its vocalization is a high pitched scream. It has also been seen between Cabot Street. and the paved “Parkway Trail”. It has Read more…

“I looked out today at about 1:00 pm to see an exquisite Barred Owl staring back at me on my deck.” Location: Morton Line, Cavan Observer: Holly McBain

Immature Bald Eagle sitting on ice on west side of Otonabee River, 100 metres above Lock 25. Bird was seen at about 1:00 p.m. Location: Lock 25, Otonabee River Observer: Drew Monkman

Pileated Woodpecker hammering on dead branch Location: McCrea Drive, Peterborough Observer: Cy Monkman

During my walk to work (MNR downtown) from East City this morning, I saw three flocks of American Robins, totalling about 125 individuals flying overhead and calling. I also heard full songs of 1 House Sparrow, 1 American Robin and 1 House Finch. Location: East City, Peterborough Observer: Andrew Jobes

More signs of spring

On this cold, winter day, thought I would mention that yesterday, Feb.11, we had the first Horned Lark of the year on the farm, picking around among the cattle. Location: Douro/Dummer; County Rd. 8 Observer: Bruce Kidd

A House Finch was in full song at noon today in a tree in front of our house. First House Finch song of the new year for me. Location: Maple Crescent Observer: Drew Monkman

Opossum – “this little guy sure looked cold and was not moving very fast when I saw him” Location: Harrington Lane, Ennismore Observer: Randy Smith

First smell of Skunk for 2008 – at 6 a.m. this morning – foggy and mild (4 C) Location: Maple Crescent Observer: Drew Monkman

Two Pileated Woodpeckers observed excavating dead maples on Milburn Street in Edmison Heights. One hole over two feet long and six inches or more wide. Large chips all over the snow. Location: Milburn Street Observer: Ron Fuller

12 Cedar Waxwings in yard, feeding on European Buckthorn berries Location: Maple Crescent, Peterborough Observer: Drew Monkman

Barred Owl seen in Ennismore Location: Ennis Road Observer: Randy Smith

Mature Bald Eagle seen at 1:30 p.m. flying south Location: Cty Rd 6 and 8th Line of Dummer Observer: Horst & Elke Vauth

On Jan 30 a 1st or 2nd year Bald Eagle was seen near Lakefield on River Road feeding on a carp laying on the ice. Location: River Road Observer: Randy Smith

I heard my first Northern Cardinal of the year singing this morning. Location: Marina Blvd, Peterborough Observer: Drew Monkman

With extremely mild temperatures of 12 C, a Woolly Bear caterpillar was found out on the lawn and active! These insects overwinter as caterpillars, spin a coccoon in the spring, and emerge from the coccoon in early summer as an Isabella Moth. Location: Peterborough Observer: Mrs. Cain

On the Petroglyphs Christmas Bird Count, 31 species were recorded, a little below the average of 35. Birds and numbers of interest included 9 Bald Eagles, 1 Golden Eagle, 2 Black-backed Woodpeckers, 5 Gray Jays, 403 Blue Jays, 87 Pine Grosbeaks, 393 Common Redpolls, and 113 Evening Grosbeaks. Location: Stoney Read more…

A flock of 40 Eastern Bluebirds was a nice addition to Christmas Day. Location: Stevenson Road, betweeen Gore’s Landing & Harwood Observer: Marilyn Taylor

Just a little report of the Wild Turkeys that walk my back deck with caution but also bravado. The largest count so far is 19 at one time, but we regularly have 12 to 16. These include 3 males and 13 females. One of the females pecks away at the Read more…