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/
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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