Merry Christmas

As winter approaches upon us our feathered friends are arriving or have arrived. Our usual birds like cardinal,jays and chickadees to name a few are busy feasting on our offerings. We get to see some beautiful and sometimes unusual birds like the snowy owl and sandhill cranes as they arrive or gather to leave. It is a treat and a privaledge for us to see them. Please remember to respect them and photograph or view them from a good distance and give them their space. Owls need to hunt. Our northern visitors are not used to people and may appear to be very tame. But they are arriving hungry and emaciated,( under weight and even starving) A lot already in wildlife rehab centers. They need there space to hunt. Dont get in their way. I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you and your families and friends a very Merry Christmas,Happy Holidays and all the best ,health and happiness in the upcoming New Year. Lets make it a safe winter for our feathered visitors and furry ones as well. And for ourselves. Thank you for visiting my sight. And enjoy our wild and wonderful world.

Coming and going.

While we are into December already we still seem to be having birds migrating south along with the new arrivals for the winter. Snow bunting on the wire was a very nice find but the sandhill cranes are clearly gathering to leave. The sound of the sandhills filled the air. Amazing.

A day in the country,Dec.2nd

Chipping sparrow,young red tail hawk.sandhill cranes and a snowy owl were some of the highlights of the day.Scenery with the yellow field a real photo op. And more horses.

A day in the country

Gulls playing in the waves,horses,northern shrike and more. Was a terrific day to out roaming around the country side.

A day of birding.Dec.1st

Good friend Ann came up from the big city to do an owl release and we went out and did some birding. What a fantastic day we had.Love the young herring gull playing with the feather. Gulls are awesome to watch. A very graceful bird in flight.

Loons n fishing line.

Loons and fishing line dont mix well. This first year loon has fishing line around its neck and tail area. When we spotted it it was constantly shaking its head and picking at its leg and tail area. We were helpless to help it as it can still dive. Hopefully it is able to still eat small fish. This is a huge issue and needs to be fixed. Fishermen,dont leave your line behind. Take it home and despose of it properly. Not only loons get caught. Other water birds also loose their lives every year. All year long. People ,motors. Can really mess up a prop on your boat. But my concern is the life lost every year do to negligence. Should be a simple fix. But it goes on and on.

Attempted loon rescue,Nov,28th

Kempenfelt Bay,Barrie,every year it happens. We spot a loon or 2 in distress. Fishing line is mostly the culprit.Toronto Wildlife rescue team came up on the 28th and gave it their best shot with this loon. I of 2. It has been beaching itself which is not a good sign. Loons do not do well on land. I was there with my sister daily checking on the birds. And it seemed week. But can still dive as we found out. We will keep trying. My thanks go out to Toronto Wildlife Center and Andrew and Alex for all their help and support. Dan,Mark and Wayne for their help and supplying the boat and motor. Lets keep our fishing line safely out of harms way for those who fish. It is dangerous and causes loss of life every year. And for all of us. If you see fishing line lying around,pick it up. You may be saving a life or lives. Not on the loons wings near her body. Looking very sore and open.