Greetings
What a great Thanksgiving weekend I had. Stopped off at Noggies Creek, just NW of Bobcaygeon on Sunday and paddled up river for about 4KM and saw some great things. Came across an Immature Bald Eagle, 5 Blue Herons, several Turkey Vultures and one Yellowlegs.
As I came to the end of my route I spooked some Wood Ducks, Bluewing Teals and Mallards.
On my way back I was treated to see a family otters which were checking me out as I paddled on by. Packed up the canoe and headed to Three Brothers Falls just north of Kinmount to get some pictures of the falls and on my way there, a Pileated Woodpecker flew right infront of me an landed on a tree. What beautiful bird to see up close, sorry no pics, only landed for about 10 seconds and was on its way.
The next day I dropped the canoe in Rosedale just south of Coboconk to catch the sunrise, paddled up from the boat lock and had a very nice treat as I headed to the left side of the marsh. A flock of SANDHILL CRANES flew right over me in a semi-V formation for some great shots, that made my day!!!!!!! Also came across more Blue Herons, 2 Belted Kingfishers and several sparrows. I paddled for about 2hrs I headed back and came across some hunters in the marsh. They were very rude to me and tolded me "Hey buddy!!!!Were trying to hunt here!!!" I replied "Hey, I'm just passing through", then they said "Your in our hunting area, stay away" I said nothing and quietly passed on through. About 2 minutes later a flock of mallards flew over me and then heard 4 shotgun blasts and saw 2 ducks fall out of the sky.
A very sad sight to see. As I made my way back to the lock, another family of otters popped up infront of me, COOL!!!!!! And to top off the day a male Merlin was perched up in a tree and didn't flinch as I passed by. More cool shots. Packed up and headed home. On the way I did a stop over a Carden Elvar to see what was there at this time of the year. Many Savannah Sparrows, lots of Robins, Dark Eyed Juncos, a few Eastern Blue Birds, a flock of about 10 juvenile Eastern Meadowlarks and one lonely baby racoon.
A great trip!!!!
Good birding to all
Mr "X"
Clemens
