Rare birds were showing up all across Ontario this past week and Muskoka was no exception! Several rarities popped up, following the waterfowl theme we’ve had in the last few weeks. A few lingering migrants are still around, kept here by the warmer weather the week prior.

The highlight waterfowl this week was a BLACK SCOTER originally found by Stan Fairchild on Mary Lake. The bird only stuck around for a day, but offered some very good views of quite an uncommon duck. RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were almost plentiful this week, being seen in several different lakes around Muskoka. Lingering LESSER SCAUP, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, and WOOD DUCKS all made an appearance this week, being seen primarily at the Bracebridge Sewage Lagoons, but also at several smaller lakes.

A few good gulls have returned to Muskoka, giving a good start to the gulling season. An ICELAND GULL was spotted at the Bracebridge Sewage Lagoons, which is a great place to check before it completely freezes over. Two different groups of four BONAPARTE’S GULLS were spotted out at Georgian Bay, appearing to be a little late in departing for further south. Additionally, a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL also showed up on Kahshe Lake. A great week for gulling! There should be several species continuing to arrive throughout the next few weeks, so checking out the edge of open water might turn up something good.

A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was also seen in the usual location, Beatrice Townline Road and a few other hawks might still be passing through. Other raptors of note are a few owls being seen across Muskoka. Due to the sensitive nature of owls, we won’t be releasing any specific information about them. However, we’ll let you know when there is an increase of sightings!

A couple continuing rarities are still here this week. A second RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER has been found in the Georgian Bay region and both have been regular visitors to feeders. The Bowyer’s Beach CAROLINA WREN is also continuing and showing fairly well. Additionally, a late HERMIT THRUSH popped up at some feeders but hasn’t stuck around.

Finally, our finches are continuing to show well. No HOARY REDPOLLS were seen this week, but all our other finches have been seen throughout Muskoka. We’re even hearing PINE GROSBEAKS in downtown Bracebridge!

What to Look out for this Week

Gulls are starting to move through in larger numbers, so start checking any ice on larger bodies of water. Often gulls will hang out around there at noon and in the evening. Several gulls are showing up south of Muskoka, so it’s possible they’ll continue even further up.

No photos with this post, as all my bird photography is distant and blurry. If you’ve got bird photos you want to be featured feel free to submit them.

Got a rare sighting of your own? Feel free to send it to aaron@shrikebirding.com and it may be used in our next weekly report. We’re hoping to add additional information in our future weekly reports, so unusual sightings within Muskoka are hugely appreciated.

Happy birding!