To those Ontbirders following winter finch movements: This morning around 10AM, I saw a flock of at least a dozen Pine Grosbeaks flying over the woods adjacent to Hwy 11 north of Bracebridge, Muskoka. Several 3-note utterances of their lethargic whistled flight calls could be heard as the flock passed overhead. Against a partially overcast sky, I could make out glimpses of the males' muted rosy bodies set against wings which from my angle and lack of optics I could only describe as grey. There was not the high degree of contrast between wings and body, nor the boldly present white wingbars which I would expect from White-winged Crossbills. The longish tail, round head, familiar flight call and slow, buoyant flight style of the birds also indicated Grosbeak to me.
DIRECTIONS: Bracebridge is in the district of Muskoka about 2 hrs. north of Toronto on Hwy 400/11. The birds were seen from Hwy 11 southbound at Kirk Line W. about 5kms north of Bracebridge flying in a southerly direction. Kip Daynard Emsdale, ON "Kip Daynard" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
