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