To arrive in southern Muskoka for a survey beginning at 5 am, we left Toronto at 2:45 and arrived just in time.








MYSTERY BIRD I will identify it at the end of the post.

Muskoka has a “Big 5” – birds which are found commonly in the area and let you know it through constant singing.
Chestnut-sided Warbler:


Red-eyed Vireo:


American Robin:


American Redstart:


Ovenbird: So named because their nests look like little ovens. I have heard the teacher-teacher-teacher call of the Ovenbird thousands of times but have rarely seen it due to its habit of walking about on the floor in dense forest:

Some botany:














Tent Caterpillars are busy here:


MYSTERY BIRD
The rufous sides identify this as a Towhee.

NATURE POETRY
gentle light filtered by
pale streaks of clouds –
brushed on their secretive places
by green fingers urging their opening,
pouring tranquility, sparkle on calm. – J. Barbara
Miles Hearn
Thank you for the magnificent pictures of the sky at dawn and for beautiful pictures of birds I had never heard of. You’re such a dedicated person to start your day so early!
Gorgeous!