Wednesday, December 15, 2010

17th Annual Christmas Bird Count

The 17th annual Huntsville Christmas Bird Count was held on Tuesday, December 14. It was cold with a gusty northwest wind and it snowed in the morning. The big lakes were all open, as was most of the Muskoka River. The total species and individuals were about average.

Preliminary results show:
Total Species: 39 (average is 39)
Total Individuals: 2,481 (average is 2,899)

Noteworthy Species for the Count:
-Trumpeter Swan: male (#586) on river in Huntsville for eighth winter.
-Wood Duck: male on river in Huntsville (likely same bird as on 2009 count).
-Ring-necked Duck: female on river in Huntsville (likely same bird as on 2009 count).
-Bald Eagle: 7 (previous high was 3)
-Red-tailed Hawk: 1
-American Robin: 1
-Bohemian Waxwing: 3
-House Sparrow: 1 (first on count since 2006)
Finches:
-Pine Grosbeak: 2
-Common Redpoll: 112
-Hoary Redpoll: 1 (at feeder with 15 Common Redpolls near Penfold Lake off
Stephenson Road 12 East, south of Huntsville).
-Pine Siskin: 4
-American Goldfinch: 31
-Evening Grosbeak: 81

Thanks to all participants for a great job on a bitterly cold day.
Ron Tozer
Compiler

______________________________________________

ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization.
Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca
For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/

Friday, November 12, 2010

MAKING IT TO ALGONQUIN PARK WITHOUT THE AUTOMOBILE

From www.thestar.com, July 07, 2010, By Fabiola Carletti, Staff Reporter


Ontario’s top park just got a lot closer to the city.

Currently, car-less Torontonians must either rent a vehicle or take an indirect route by public transit to get to Canada’s oldest provincial park. But starting next Thursday, a new express service called Parkbus ( http://www.parkbus.ca/) will roll out as a new option.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to board a non-stop bus from four Toronto locations to four popular drop-off points in the sprawling park. At $84 per round-trip the ride is less expensive than taking existing bus routes to Huntsville followed by a private shuttle. And if you factor in the cost of gas, parking and renting a car, it’s a lot cheaper than taking a personal vehicle. Even drivers may want to hang up their keys for an environmentally friendly and even educational alternative.


“Parkbus is a non-profit initiative that aims to eventually make other popular Ontario parks accessible by bus,” said Alex Berlyand, co-founder of the project. “We also intend to have a volunteer on each bus talking about the fragile and valuable elements of Algonquin Park.”


The founders find it ironic that in wanting to enjoy nature, most people are contributing to carbon emissions that damage the environment. The 56-seat coach buses are set to outdo even the most ambitious carpool and foster friendships between first-time and veteran visitors.


On a pilot schedule, the 56-seat coach buses will run between Toronto and Algonquin on select Thursdays and Sundays for the rest of July. Organizers are running an online survey to determine the most popular dates for August and September trips.


Berlyand, 25, and co-founder Boris Issaev, 24, say they’re not receiving outside funding and are hoping Torontonians support the project in its infancy.


TORONTO LOCATIONS:
30 Carlton St. (Days Inn Hotel, near the College subway station), Dufferin/Bloor (Dufferin Mall, Toys “R” Us), Yorkdale Mall (by the TTC entrance), Hwy 400/Major MacKenzie (southwest corner, car pool parking lot).


ALGONQUIN PARK LOCATIONS: Oxtongue Lake/Algonquin Outfitters, Canoe Lake/Portage Store, Lake of Two Rivers Campground, Lake Opeongo/Algonquin Outfitters.

Monday, September 13, 2010

The Kirby's Moose!

Arowhon Pines Algonquin Park 2010

A young moose wandered by the window of the cottage we were staying in at Arowhon. At times we were only 15 or so feet away and he wasn't at all bothered by us.
Great time at the resort. Thought you'd enjoy seeing some pics of your resident moose.
Allen & Maureen Kirby
Ancaster, Ontario

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=allenkirby1&target=ALBUM&id=5515406436180901345&authkey=Gv1sRgCK2k6JfigMigTA&feat=email

Friday, September 10, 2010

A BABY MOOSE

For days, staff and guests have braved the cool, rainy weather to see a baby moose roaming our grounds, foraging for food. During dinner service the other night, he was on the pathway between the dining room and Tanglewood cabin - did he hear the dinner bell?

The calf's mother, whom we had seen about a week ago, sadly, is missing.  We’ve been worried.  So we called up one of the Algonquin Park biologists (Mark), who told us…

A calf will usually stay with his mother until after his first winter. Then in the spring, before the mother has her new babies, she will shoo away the year old moose.

Something may have happened to the mother moose – maybe a predator (but he doubts that, as the calf is still alive) – perhaps disease.

We are heartbroken.

The good news is that the young moose is not relying on the mother’s milk anymore and could survive on his own. Realistically, without his mother, it will be more difficult.

We are still hoping to see the mother and will keep you updated if we do!

For now, we'll be enjoying our little buddy – who seem to appear around every corner - and hope that he survives those winter months.

Here are a couple of photos to share.






 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you to Peter Brauer for these photos.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Peter & Sabine Kaemmer's Nature Shots

We are thankful to Peter and Sabine Kaemmer, from Germany,
who, every year, send us some of their nature shots taken on their holiday at Arowhon Pines & Algonquin Park.  They go out of their way to earn these shots, patiently capturing just the right moment.


Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Labour Day Weekend - Enjoy Fall Pricing!

LABOUR DAY WEEKEND - we still have rooms available!

For new reservations only......

Enjoy fall pricing for Labour Day Weekend - September 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2010!

Rates are $ 236 per person per night, based on double occupancy in regular rooms. Rates include THREE CONSECUTIVE MEALS AND ALL FACILITIES (canoes, kayaks, sailboats, hiking trails, tennis, sauna - plus a vehicle pass to borrow to explore all of Algonquin Park)!

(Regularly priced at $259 per person)

For singles - there is no single supplement charged!

Call today! 1 866 633 5661

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Yoga and Painting Holiday - September 13 - 16, 2010

Yoga and Painting Holiday
"Reclaim Yourself"
with Susan Vande Sompel
September 13 – 16, 2010

Arowhon Pines and Algonquin Park is the perfect spot for peace and tranquility.  When you combine yoga and painting with Arowhon, something magical happens. The stress in your life evaporates and inner peace and well being takes over.

Susan will expertly guide you on a journey connecting your body, mind and spirit. Each day, join outdoor or indoor morning and late afternoon yoga classes, plus guided meditation sessions. Stretch and tone your muscles, release chronic tension, de-stress & relax. Calm your restless mind and invite deep, inner peace into your life.  You only have to do what your heart desires.

If you like to paint, bring your paint supplies with you. Everywhere you look is a scene begging to be painted. Each afternoon, artists will have the opportunity to view and provide encouraging feedback on paintings produced during the day. On the last day, paintings will be displayed for all to enjoy.

Enjoy Arowhon's activities as well - paddle a canoe or kayak on a chain of lakes (Arowhon staff will happily provide basic instruction), hike the trails adjacent to the property to see wildlife, sail, play tennis, relax in the sauna.  We could join in an evening bonfire or see the night sky with their telescope.

Susan is a certified Kripalu yoga teacher from London, Ontario with 15 years of experience. She has participated in a variety of yoga workshops, conferences, and retreats which has deepened her commitment to teaching as a path to health, well-being. She is also an avid water colour painter.

Kripalu yoga combines Hatha yoga postures and breath work to revitalize the body, calm the mind, and deepen self-awareness.

Come "Reclaim Yourself" - your body, mind and spirit will be glad you did!!

Cost: $921 pp (all inclusive)
4 days/3 nights
For more information/flyer contact: svandesompel@hotmail.com
Phone: 519 615 2899
Website: http://www.yogawithsusan.net/
OR
Call us at Arowhon Pines.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Recipe! Arowhon Afternoon Scones

AROWHON AFTERNOON BUTTERMILK SCONES


Of course these delicious scones always taste better on the Arowhon verandah with a pot of our homemade jam! Or after a sweaty canoe trip to Burnt Island Lake and back! Bon Appetit!

Ingredients:

3 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¾ tsp salt
6 oz butter, unsalted, cold, cut into small pieces
1 TB grated orange or lemon zest
¾ cups small plump currants
¼ cup cranberries
1 cup buttermilk
2 oz butter, unsalted, melted, for brushing
¼ cup vanilla scented sugar, for dusting.
Parchment paper

Method:

- Position the oven racks to divide the oven into thirds and preheat to 425 deg (or 350 degree fan high in convection oven)
- Stir dry ingredients together in medium bowl.
- Work in butter using fingertips, pastry blender or 2 knives, until mixture resembles coarse oatmeal.
- Pour in buttermilk, add zest and dried fruit and mix with fork until ingredients are just moistened - you'll have a soft dough with a rough look. Don't overmix!!
- If it looks too dry, add 1 T buttermilk and knead briefly for about 12 turns.
- Drop dough - 1 Tablespoon very heaped - on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Brush with ½ melted butter amount, sprinkle with 2 T sugar.
- Bake 6-8 minutes, until tops & bottoms are golden.
- Transfer to racks to cool slightly.
- Serve warm or room temperature.

Let us know how they turn out!

Arowhon Afternoon Scones

This is the email I received today from Kate from Euclid, Ohio:

please please send me your recipe for your afternoon scones...I can't live w/out them!
THANKS

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

PUBLIC WOLF HOWLS IN ALGONQUIN PARK

Make sure that you attend a Public Wolf Howl if you are staying at Arowhon Pines on any Thursday in August or September before Labour Day (dependent on weather and accessibility of the wolves). 

If you plan to attend, ensure your vehicle is filled with gas, arrive early at the Outdoor Theatre (it begins at 8 PM - you might have to eat quickly in our dining room) and dress warmly. This special program lasts about three hours.  

After a slide talk on wolf ecology, you will receive specific instructions and then everyone travels by car (on rare occasions, walks) to a place where wild wolves may answer the imitations given by the naturalist staff.

It's an amazing thing!

Friday, July 30, 2010

The Perseids are coming! The Perseids are coming!


The Perseids are coming! The Perseids are coming!  (August 12-15)


The Perseids are the most famous of all meteor showers! This year, due to its summertime appearance, and the timing of the new moon which will make the night sky at Arowhon appear even darker – the show should be exceptional! We anticipate 50-80 meteors an hour to be on display overhead. All you have to do is pull up a chair on the beach, look up and be amazed - bring a glass of wine!


Bart Tecter, a highly educated and extremely well equipped amateur Astronomer will be joining us on Friday and Saturday nights giving a tour of the night sky. He will be setting up an impressive list of stargazing equipment including a “MallinCam’ which is able to show live views of deep space objects like Spiral Galaxies, Nebula and Star Clusters – in colour! Your jaw will drop when you see what views his Telescope will provide! During the day Bart will set up a telescope equipped with a solar filter so that we can look safely at the Sun, which is probably the most fascinating object in our universe.

All in all it will be a very exciting weekend to be at the Pines.

There is still space available if you are looking for some time away from the city lights!

Fishing with Frank!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

A Match Made In Heaven

 I’ve just returned from the inaugural “Yoga Weekend” at Arowhon. By the end of the three days I felt as though my body had gently been taken away from me to be replaced by a new, younger, more relaxed one.

Amber Morphy, the yoga instructor was a master at describing the asanas (positions) with step by step with personal directions to those (like me) who were new to Yoga while showing the experienced members of our group how to extend their bodies (literally) into positions I can only imagine being in. Even after three one hour sessions a day for three days, Amber was still coming up with new asanas to keep to keep me interested.

I always come back from my trips to Arowhon relaxed and filled to the brim with the Algonquin spirit, but coming back from the Yoga retreat added a new dimension to my mind/body experience, one that I will not hesitate to repeat should this dynamic combination be offered again.


Thank you to Arowhon for providing the setting and impeccable service.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Arowhon Loon nesting

Here is a lovely photo of our Loon nesting.
Thank you to Mrs Bernice Hill and her husband for this lovely shot.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

This Weekend is what running a summer resort is all about!

What a gorgeous Saturday of the Canada Day Long Weekend!

Walking to work this morning, I saw a dozen people from our first Yoga Group stretching on the main dock. 
Jeff, the organizer from Wolf Den Expeditions (http://www.wolfdenexpeditions.com/) along with the yoga instructor Amber and the massage therapist, Shaunna - are getting rave reviews.  Some of our own guests are taking part in morning and evening yoga sessions.

After breakfast, our fleet of canoes, kayaks and sailboats were out on the lake!  What a sight!

Many guests ordered picnic lunches and are planning to paddle to Tom Thompson or Burnt Island Lake. 

Our group of German reporters took in the Germany-Argentina football game in the TV Room.

Frank Kuaick took a lovely couple out fishing for the day. 

Some guests are just relaxing and reading in the sun!

Welcome to summer in Algonquin Park!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Moth photos taken at Arowhon Pines

Hi Arowhon Team,
Brian and I enjoyed our stay with you and the great Arowhon team last week. Thought you might enjoy a few photos of the beautiful moth that we emptied the dining room for you and the guests to see and photograph. Had the species identified when we got home.
Enjoy the weather now that summer is officially here.
Ann & Brian





























St. Lawrence Tiger Moth- Algonquin Park-15 June 2010













St. Lawrence Tiger Moth-Algonquin Park-15 June 2010













St. Lawrence Tiger Moth-Algonquin Park-15 June 2010

Tuesday, June 22, 2010


There are a number of events planned at Arowhon Pines, Algonquin Park this season.
We hope that you can join us.

 
Canada Day Long Weekend
Yoga Retreat - 4 days of yoga, meditation, canoeing and hiking. Visit: www.wolfdenexpeditions.ca

August 12 and 13 Meteor Showers
We have a new telescope and it will be by the boat dock on many nights - come join us! On August 12 and 13 we’ve invited a professional astronomer who will show us the wonders of a summer night sky – stars, constellations, clusters and galaxies. He has a MALLINCAM which will show you on a computer screen what we see in the sky. This weekend is also the PERSEIDS Meteor Shower, one of the best to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at their peak.  Weather permitting, this has the potential to be a spectacular show.


An Evening with Floralove Katz & Friends - August 21st, 2010
Join us for a weekend of old fashioned fun - singing around the piano with Floralove Katz and Natasha Guiller. Everybody is welcome! The more the merrier! Come sing along! There will be golden oldies, Broadway tunes, classic standards, Cole Porter, George Gershwin and others – song sheets are provided! Floralove Katz has been studying piano all her life. For 20 years she’s been a cellist with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra as well as a soprano chorus member of Opera Lyra Ottawa. She was founder of the Ottawa Klezmer Band and has been entertaining people to sold-out shows!


“RECLAIM YOURSELF” Yoga and Painting Holiday, September 13 – 16, 2010
Combine the peace and tranquility of Arowhon Pines and Algonquin Park with daily yoga, meditation walks and painting sessions. Susan Vandel Sompel is a certified Kripalu yoga teacher from London, Ontario with 15 years of experience. Kripalu yoga combines Hatha yoga postures and breathe work to revitalize the body, calm the mind and deepen self-awareness. She is also an avid water colour painter.  For more information: svandesompel@hotmail.com


*****************

For More Information:
Arowhon Pines
Algonquin Park
www.arowhonpines.ca
1 866 633 5661 Toll Free in Canada and USA
Local: 705 633 5661


Thursday, June 10, 2010

Wedding Gown Photo Shoot at Arowhon Pines

Last summer we hosted a photo shoot at Arowhon Pines for Lea-Ann Belter wedding gowns.

Please visit her website at:  http://www.lea-annbelter.com/ and you can see glimpses of Arowhon's wild and natural gardens throughout the property.  There is also is a beautiful woman modelling beautiful wedding gowns!

Lea–ann Belter has been making gowns for two decades. Her gowns are available in specially–chosen stores across North America and Europe as well as in her flagship boutique located on Queen Street East in Toronto.

Enjoy!

Special Events at Arowhon Pines, Algonquin Park

There are a number of special events taking place at Arowhon Pines, Algonquin Park this season. We hope that you can join us.




SPRING


The G8 Summit, a meeting of world leaders, is being held in Huntsville on June 25 – 26, 2010.  Highway 60 will be closed in front of Deerhurst resort - from Highway 11 to (almost) Highway 35.  There will be a detour off Highway 11 after Bracebridge – take Highway 117 East towards Baysville & Dorset, then Highway 35 north to Dwight, and east (right) onto Highway 60 into Algonquin Park.


We were approached by a number of consulates wanting to stay at Arowhon Pines.  We told them about our food, our fabulous location in the middle of the woods, the great canoe and hiking routes and all the wildlife they might see. They asked us about our television, telephone, internet and cell phone services.
They never called back.


The G20 Summit being held in Toronto, June 26 – 27, 2010 has been labelled “the biggest security detail that Canada has ever seen”.   If you ever needed an excuse to escape the city, this would be it!  Yikes!
We have lovely rooms by the lake and a peaceful and quiet atmosphere!




SUMMER IN ALGONQUIN PARK


Canada Day Long Weekend
Yoga Retreat - 4 days of yoga, meditation, canoeing and hiking. Visit: www.wolfdenexpeditions.ca


August 12 and 13 Meteor Showers
We have a new telescope and it will be by the boat dock on many nights - come join us! On August 12 and 13 we’ve invited a professional astronomer who will show us the wonders of a summer night sky – stars, constellations, clusters and galaxies. He has a MALLINCAM which will show you on a computer screen what we see in the sky.  This weekend is also the PERSEIDS Meteor Shower, one of the best to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at their peak. Weather permitting, this has the potential to be a spectacular show.


An Evening with Floralove Katz & Friends - August 21st, 2010
Join us for a weekend of old fashioned fun - singing around the piano with Floralove Katz and Natasha Guiller. Everybody is welcome! The more the merrier! Come sing along - there will be golden oldies, Broadway tunes, classic standards, Cole Porter, George Gershwin and others – song sheets are provided!
Floralove Katz has been studying piano all her life. For 20 years she’s been a cellist with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra as well as a soprano chorus member of Opera Lyra Ottawa. She was founder of the Ottawa Klezmer Band and has been entertaining people to sold-out shows!  We’re very excited and hoping to make this a yearly tradition!


AUTUMN
“RECLAIM YOURSELF” Yoga and Painting Holiday with Susan Vande Sompel
September 13 – 16, 2010
Combine the peace and tranquility of Arowhon Pines and Algonquin Park with daily yoga, meditation walks and painting sessions. Susan is a certified Kripalu yoga teacher from London, Ontario with 15 years of experience. Kripalu yoga combines Hatha yoga postures and breathe work to revitalize the body, calm the mind and deepen self-awareness. She is also an avid water colour painter. For more information: svandesompel@hotmail.com


Thanksgiving Weekend
Our last weekend in the Park – always a special time! Arowhon Pines is popular for family gatherings and reunions all through the season!  Let our chefs take care of Thanksgiving dinner!


For More Information: 
Arowhon Pines, Algonquin Park
www.arowhonpines.ca
1 866 633 5661 Toll Free in Canada and USA
Local: 705 633 5661

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Birds of Algonquin Park - Up Close and Personal

We were recently sent this link to an enjoyable 7 minute video about Doug Tozer and some of Algonquin's birds. 

Doug Tozer recently successfully defended his PH.D at Trent University;  he studied the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in the Park.   

His parents are Ron and Pat Tozer.  Ron is the famous WOLF HOWL guy of Algonquin Park! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4Wz-9U5pSw

_______________________________________________

ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization.

Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org

For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

A few Winter pictures

Here are a few pictures from our recent trip into Arowhon Pines in March.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

March 2010 - Winter Bear Research in Algonquin Park

During March, Dr Marty Obbard, Research Scientist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is searching Algonquin Park for hibernating female bears and their offspring.


Dr Obbard and his research crew will be tranquilizing female bears that produced cubs during 2009 to assess mother and offspring's health. "Some yearlings we will be visiting will be fitted with expandable radio-collars so we can monitor their survival and movements in and possibly outside the Park" says Obbard.

Canadian comedian Rick Mercer joins Dr Obbard as they conduct bear research in Algonquin Park (2009 footage):


Click here:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz4iXyIYvgk

Monday, March 8, 2010

Birds in Algonquin Park

Algonquin Park Birding Update: 4 March 2010

Beautiful spring-like weather often prevailed this week but in the almost total absence of open water or bare ground there was no indication of migrants on the Algonquin Highlands. That should change in the next few days with the arrival of the first American Crows.

Gray Jays continued to be seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, the Visitor Centre and Opeongo Road at the gate. Researchers had located at least 11 nests under construction by week's end

The White-throated Sparrow at the Visitor Centre feeder all winter was last seen on February 25. Milder temperatures likely stimulated it to move elsewhere.

What may be the last Pine Grosbeaks were two at the West Gate on February 27. In winters of low numbers like this, the first pulse of sustained warmer weather in late February or early March often coincides with their disappearance northward.

The big flock of American Goldfinches persisted at the Visitor Centre feeders.

Evening Grosbeaks are still present in Whitney, east of Algonquin.

American Marten: one or two are fairly regular at the Visitor Centre feeders now and likely to be seen by anybody who stays for awhile.

We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records.
 
From:
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON

Friday, January 22, 2010

Visit us at the Toronto Outdoor & Adventure Show

The Toronto Outdoor and Adventure Show

is being held at
The International Centre
6900 Airport Rd, Hall 5

on February 26, 27 and 28, 2010! 

We're excited to be participating this year!

Hope to see you there - we're at Booth 447 !


Tuesday, January 12, 2010

NEW!! Arowhon Pines Canoe Trip Adventure!


Algonquin Park is famous for its thousands of lakes and some of the best canoe routes in Canada!

Some of us have never experienced an overnight canoe trip in the middle of the woods of Algonquin Park.

Our team has put together a package incorporating an overnight canoe trip with a stay at Arowhon Pines. You can choose to go on your own (most do, it's very safe!) or in the company of an experience guide. You will be provided with a map, Park permit, food, all cooking and camping equipment - and lots of instruction before departing from our dock.

Start practising your J-Stroke!

For more information, contact Adam or Theresa at resort@arowhonpines.ca.

Arowhon Pines Yoga Retreat July 1 - 4, 2010


NEW (!) for Arowhon Pines ....

We're very excited to be hosting an Arowhon Pines Yoga Retreat and Getaway on July 1 - 4, 2010 (Thursday - Sunday).

Each day there are a series of yoga classes, mixed with canoeing and hiking trips in the middle of Algonquin Park!

For more information and to register, please contact Jeff Kittmer at:
http://www.wolfdenexpeditions.ca/Yoga%20Adventures.htm

We're very excited to be working with Jeff on this project and are hoping to work with him more in the future! Groups of women, couples and friends who are interested in putting together private yoga packages similiar to this one, let us know!