February 24, 2013
From the vantage of Old Young’s Point Rd at Miller Creek, an adult (presumably the female) Bald Eagle could be seen sitting low in the nest. The other adult was observed in flight N over the open lead immediately east Read more
From the vantage of Old Young’s Point Rd at Miller Creek, an adult (presumably the female) Bald Eagle could be seen sitting low in the nest. The other adult was observed in flight N over the open lead immediately east Read more
At least three Northern Cardinals were singing lustfully at 8:00 a.m. this morning – all more or less at the same time – in our neighbourhood. This is the most cardinal song I’ve heard this “pre-spring.” Location: Maple Cres., Peterborough Read more
On a fairly mild Saturday, sixteen sharp-eyed participants enjoyed a couple of hours looking for wintering birds and signs of spring along on the Otonabee River on the annual Peterbrough Field Naturalists’ Heritage Week field trip offering. The river has Read more
On the Friday of the Great Backyard Bird Count, February 15, I was fascinated to witness around noon, a Northern Shrike chase a common house sparrow right into the window I was observing from! The Northern Shrike then dropped to Read more
Don Davis, a leading expert on Monarchs in Ontario, discussed the matter of growing milkweeds in gardens with the Chief Weed Inspector for Ontario, who stated that the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture does not have a problem with anyone growing Read more
Since November we have had a flock of up to 27 Evening Grosbeaks. 10 years ago we saw them regularly on their migration path but this is the first time since then. And surprisingly enough, they have stayed all winter. Read more
Three Evening Grosbeaks flew over the parking lot at the Kawartha Nordic Ski Club at about 2 p.m. today. Location: Haultain Observer: Drew Monkman
A dozen Pine Grosbeaks were feeding in the trees in the Lakefield Campsite beside the marsh this lunchtime. The number of Common Goldeneyes in and south of Lakefield has steadily climbed this last week as they gradually inch northwards. A Read more
I have had a female Pine Grosbeak at my bird feeder at the Peterborough West Animal Hospital twice in the last week. I don’t know if I have ever seen one up close before, but I am certain that this Read more
Climate change, herbicides and agriculture conspire against a childhood touchstone Click to view column
1 male Hooded Merganser with 3 male Common Goldeneye on Otonabee river in stretch of open water, seen by walking down path at the end of Carolyn street; follow the ATV tracks to the rivers edge where you can see Read more
I was amazed to see a Brown-headed Cowbird at my feeder. They are usually just here in the spring & summer. It was eating my songbird mix. Location: Bailieboro Observer: Sandy Kirkland
Recently, I found mice in my garage and set some traps. The next morning I looked and two traps were full. I was going to take care of them later in the afternoon except they were gone when I got Read more
Today, I saw a Red-breasted Merganser (female-type) on the Otonabee River beside the Little Lake Cemetery. Location: SE corner of Little Lake Cemetery under old railway bridge Observer: Mike Burrell
Today, I saw a male Long-tailed Duck on the Otonabee River, just south of Trent University. Location: Otonabee River at Trent University Observer: Brendan Boyd
Since retiring I have developed some new habits and one is standing at the back window watching activity in the yard. After a recent light snowfall my wife, Lynn , threw some bread pieces on the deck. I was not Read more
We feed the birds regularly in our yard and have an abundance of all the “usual” visitors to the feeders. Over the past few weeks, we have had regular visits from a Cooper’s Hawk. He/she is very large and is Read more
Annual Great Backyard Bird Count begins Friday across Canada . . . and the world Click to view column
I was skiing with my wife along the York River in the south township of Algonquin Park today. We were bush-wacking through untracked snow and saw male and female Fisher tracks. The male seemed attentive to the female. Last year Read more
Today at 2 pm, a mature Bald Eagle flew into a tree on my driveway. We’re on a farm just south of Norwood, ON. The bird stayed there for over an hour and I got some good photos. It’s the Read more
Two families and Kawartha Heritage Conservancy work to reach long-term goals Click to view column
Since November, we have had two Gray Jays coming to our feeder. They were here again today, and I was able to get pictures of them. We also have a number of Coyotes in the area which have also been Read more
Just as we arrived home from Peterborough this afternoon, my husband saw a Barred Owl swoop down onto a branch not far from our kitchen. After sitting there for a while, it flew a short way, closer to another bird Read more
Today at around 3 p.m. Dave and I came across a gaggle of Wild Turkeys north of Sharpe Line just west of Winslow Road where the hydro line crosses Sharpe Line. I counted over 180 birds and there may have Read more
Kawartha-based group aims to add 3,000 acres to land is already stewards Click to view column
Last evening (Jan 30th) a lone Spring Peeper called repeatedly (and bravely) from the wetland behind our house near Janetville (south of Lindsay). Location: Janetville, south of LIndsay Observer: Meryl McGrath
The high today hit a record 12.6 C in Peterborough, snapping the previous Jan. 30 record for Peterborough of 8.5 C set in 1988, according to Environment Canada. Location: Peterborough Observer: Environment Canada
Today at 2 p.m. I saw a Great Blue Heron flying over Millbrook. Location: Millbrook Observer: Ken Rumble
I found a large flock of Common Redpolls on Lynch’s Rock Road this afternoon that contained at least one Hoary Redpoll. At Petroglyphs PP I found a Barred Owl being mobbed by Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches. I also finally Read more
Today, at about 2:00 p.m. there were Pine Siskin 1, Common Redpoll 10 at my feeder. A flock of three Red Crossbills stopped briefly in the cedar trees outside my house and a flock of about 4 Pine Grosbeaks flew Read more