Printable View
so I know its real early but saw my first Grackle today. Typically I use them as the herald of the woodcock as they seem to show up a week before them.
With this freak weather think it has wildlife a bit confused.
In any case on watch with eager anticipation for their return.
Buddy kicked one up today shed hunting. We’re near sarnia.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nice to hear but keep them down there for a bit longer. Hate for them to came up just to get blasted by another shot of cold.
Haven't ran into any yet but haven't been hitting usual coverts. Been shed hunting behind our house and found some spots that look like they might hold birds moving through. Time will tell. Thought I could hear them in the evenings last year. Only been here about a year and a half so I intend on finding out this spring.
Safe travels my friends and Happy Breeding!
The dog and I flushed our first one last Sunday. Feb.25/18 Essex county, Ontario. Earliest I can recall.
Headed to one of our training covers down by the lake today. Snow is all gone there. Report to follow, if I can keep track of this crazy youngster I'm training. :-)
Had the dogs out in decent cover Sunday south of Barrie and no encounters. This week should knock down most of the snow. Any day now.
Gee I thought I was anxious. Had the dogs out yesterday in some of the spot around here and if they are not there they are not here yet. Did see my first redwing today and I though I haven't seen one yet dad claims to have seen a robin also. So soon it'll be time.Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
Saw one in Mississauga the other day.
I saw redwings and robins, no wc yet.
They better stay put
4 ft of snow in the bush here yet.
Night time temps still in the mid -14 to -15
Based on the forecast I hope they brought their snowshoes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Tufts
Did you come across any?Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Tufts
I saw grackles in town this week. I took the britt to a local spot where I find woodcock yesterday. There's still about 80% snow ground coverage. No woodcock yet.
Attachment 36767Anxiously waiting in anticipation for their arrival.
Flushed 1 today out back. Didn't get a good look at it but it was a pretty unmistakable sound.
I find a dove flushing from the ground is surprisingly close especially when you are anxiously awaiting their arrival.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cass
We have lots of doves too but this was unmistakable. Just wish I could've seen him for a little longer between the trees. We were in a great spot. It's pretty wet ground in the woods behind the house with a mix of meadows, fields, a big winding creek and hardwoods. Wish I could hunt it but it's not a huge distance to town.
Wouldn't fret not being able to hunt it. Having a spot close to home to work the dog is more enjoyable and beneficial for conditioning than being able to hunt it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cass
I agree 100%. Nice to be able to walk out the back door and be able to work him within minutes on wild birds. We even flush the odd grouse.
No woodcock finds over the weekend. I was searching north London area.
South Brant seen a few over the weekend...
might have to bring the dogs too you.Quote:
Originally Posted by fratri
Long walk down the Humber river valley found nothing yet.
Still waiting..........
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4783/...a7318029_k.jpgDSC00456 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/153457252@N02/], on Flickr
BeautifulQuote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk
We put up two woodcock this morning down towards Windsor.
So, they are on their way, should be good number within the next two weeks.
My GSP had a perfect point on two Woodcock hunkered down in a bare patch here in Barrie. Maybe a mating pair? Also tracked and flushed 3 grouse, hopefully a beacon for the season to come.
40 minutes north of Barrie. Perfect point on our first doodle of the "season". Dog was 6 feet from it. I was 3 feet from it and had just taked off my gloves to reach for my phone (camera) when it flushed.
No picture....... than it didn't happen :silly:. Still waiting for my first here hard to believe they got pass me unseen.Quote:
Originally Posted by mark_t1012001
Down here near Windsor I can’t find many now, it seems they have moved on.
Will they keep migrating in for a few more weeks??
I don't know what's going on, the dogs haven't found a single bird yet...
I believe they haven't started yet.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mount Sweetness
I had a handful down here around March 15th or so.
They seem to have moved on.
I will keep at it in other spots and see if they come in.
Think with this past steady north wind they may have dropped back down, With a switch of the wind and some warm rain should get them going. Really easter marks the time I see them here so still early.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mount Sweetness
The nor'eastern weather they had in the south may have slowed things down a bit or changed their flight path altogether.......hopefully that is not the case.
I find 2-3 Wednesday, nothing since and nothing before. Just north of Toronto.
Well my daughter and I hit the woods behind the house this morning. I can confirm 6 woodcock flushes within 15 mins and I'm positive I heard at least 2 more while trying to walk through the thick stuff. All within 5 mins of walking from the back door. Happy spring! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...61357c18d2.jpg
Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk
Been working the same two birds for a week .
Dang if I don't find 'em soon here I'm coming to your place!Quote:
Originally Posted by Cass
I've always got room for buds and bird dogs! I could have you on them within minutes behind my place.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk
Might have too send me a pm with your address. Hate long drives but for birds its a great incentive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cass
Worked hard today, tried a few new very promising spots.
Put in 3 hours or more, only 1 Woodcock. Windsor area
3 points south London today. Pretty sure 2 were the same bird(a giant female. Christ it was the size of a grouse). Hopefully more start moving threw.
The size of a grouse you say. Sure it wasn't a Eurasian woodcock?Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Gunner
Lol we saw a huge female today too. Beak looked to be a foot long as she passed over headQuote:
Originally Posted by Big Gunner
Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk
Eurasian? Maybe. It was a bit more red in colour.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
But let me tell you. It was like a football flying threw the woods.
Had a good run this morning.
3 points, these are the same birds from a couple weeks ago.
Give the early morning a try, the dog did well.
Had the dog out this morning in the London area, we got into a good flight of Woodcock with multiple finds and points. GTA guys get the dogs ready, I believe the main flight is heading your way:)
Almost like clock work. South wind, good rain, and easter make for all the hall marks for woodcock too show up guess what I'll be doing after the rain.Quote:
Originally Posted by fishhawk
Got skunked today down here.
Maybe the birds have moved up?
Going out with the dog tomorrow I'll let you know.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mount Sweetness
4 this evening north of Barrie.
Only 1 flush Sarnia area.Quote:
Originally Posted by ninepointer
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I plan on running the dog on Saturday and that will probably be it. Maybe early next week. I don't see any more snow in the forecast so I don't want to mess up any nesting. I saw pics from Maine with clutches surrounded by snow this past week.
Well took a bit of searching but finally laid eyes on a pair of birds. With the pending rain and nature of spring birds unable to confirm the points with photographic proof but will try again tomorrow. Suffice to say relieved I finally can say yup they're back.
Good walk this morning 5 points on jumpy birds so again unfortunately no photographic confirmation. Learning a new property so haven't developed a milk run loop yet but looking good so far.
Got to work tomorrow but Sunday and Tuesday will be out for an early morning search.
I travelled a ways today, hit a spot that loads up with birds in early November.
We did not see even one bird.
And this spot is loaded from Halloween to Remembrance Day.
I guess I will check it again in two weeks?
First bird of the year was contacted on the morning walk today.
In the afternoon, 3 dogs had 4 finds, each had a nice point, including the pup (just turn one yo).
Normally I'd find many more birds in that cover, weird year.
Think that dry period effected the birds. Typical places I'd find them in previous years totally barren now. On the up side found a new area holding birds. Its much wetter and I think it will become my new favorite neighborhood local.Quote:
Originally Posted by vom Dufenshmirtz
Single woodcock yesterday and the same again today. Different areas.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/785/4...d00385d5_k.jpgDSCN0023 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/153457252@N02/], on FlickrQuote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
The birds should be on eggs by then and will abandon their nest if disturbed. Just sayin !Quote:
Originally Posted by Mount Sweetness
I hit 3 different spots these past couple of days and put up 3 birds.
It seems like single birds for the most part, have not came into any numbers.
The quiet time in Michigan starts April 15th, that is what I go by as I am near Detroit. Which gives me two more weeks. Cheers.
My guess it looks like to be a drawn out migration seems they aren't moving on mass. Across the property finding single birds here and there but no real concentration.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mount Sweetness
We continue to see single birds every day. Bonus pair of grouse yesterday!
Not that i'm against people training there dogs but do you guys find training your dogs on wild game in the off season puts stress on those species that are not needed after migrations or during breeding times. Its like fishing without a hook when trout are spawning. Im not trying to create a debate, its more curiosity and understanding of the act.
The spring woodcock migration is highly anticipated by bird dog owners. It’s known as the second season or the catch and release season. It Puts no undo stress on the birds or very little compared to predators.
Think of it this way...... why did you fish the credit when the steelhead are migrating up for their spawning run they don't need the added stress eh? Done right there is no impact on them.Quote:
Originally Posted by tom gobble
Woodcock migrated easily 1000km so an added flight of another 50-100 yards doesn't make a difference in the grand scheme of things.
Now if someone goes and reflushes 2 or more times the exhausted bird may be in distress but that's what responsible stewardship is all about.
Fishing the credit during the migration of steelhead is aloud and in season on certain parts of the river. Plus they never spawned yet! so don't use that example. I used the example as if fishing season is closed and you tried fishing for example "steelhead" in a no fishing zone with no hook and called it practicing. Anyways as I said before this is not an attack im just trying to understand the tradition, and the effect it might cause. I love watching dogs work and respect the time it takes to get a dog to point and hunt. Its like guys running rabbits in summer, It must cause some stress on these animals.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
Never took it as an attack just trying too enlighten you. Got to use that example as the woodcock haven't nested yet. Setting aside the its legal argument one has to look at the action involved.Quote:
Originally Posted by tom gobble
If you believe fishing for trout on their migration run causes no undo stress than it must hold true for searching for woodcock on their migration north. Can't have your cake and eat it too.
Have a read through this article might give you some insight on the effect dog work has on the birds.
http://www.gundogmag.com/destination...d_spring_0507/
Tom Gobble,
Most guys will only run their dogs on Woodcock until mid April.
In Michigan it’s called the “quiet period”, and it protects nesting wildlife from approx April 15 to July 15th.
https://www.michigan-sportsman.com/f...ldlife.179611/
Thanks, that was a good read. Seems they never abandoned the nest even when chicks have been handled, which is good thing. So a couple of flushes sure won't stress them out. Do they do any banding like that over here for woodcock.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
That makes sense, just wondering if people practice that "quiet period" here or does nesting take place at different times in southern ontarioQuote:
Originally Posted by Mount Sweetness
Someone would have to be an idiot to still be working there dog on birds once they have started nesting.
My rule of thumb is one flush than move on. Its easy to be tempted to try and reflush the bird as they almost always land within sight.Quote:
Originally Posted by tom gobble
Not aware of any banding done in Ontario at best they use a night count of singing males doing their mating dance. Its generally believe population is on a slide down but no real effort here to investigate. Sadly will have the same fate as our Bob whites.
Responsible stewardship is what it should be about. Never have run into a nest around my area but than again I pull out of the bush using the April 15 guideline.Quote:
Originally Posted by tom gobble
Good walk this morning 5 points on pretty steady birds.
Managed a bit of footage of one of the encounters
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/876/2...00512359_b.jpgDSCN0033 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/153457252@N02/], on Flickr
Hoping I get out tomorrow morning. Haven't been out in over a week. Planned on it today but both kids are home sick as can be.
Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk
I have 5 different spots now, but each are holding only one bird.
I try new spots daily, and rotate my birds once per week.
Flushed only 1 yesterday. Been branching out into some new areas, as some of my sweet spots are not yet bird-ready.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/789/2...f44431ea_n.jpg
Found 3 Woodcock and 2 Grouse this afternoon on a walk in the Stratford area.
4 birds today in northern GTA
Saw 2 woodcock today in an easy walk ( leg still healing), along the Thames. Dog loved it! :)
3 today, 1 yesterday (short walk)
Good too hear they're still aroun. Been out of commission the last few days with a head cold hoping to get out tomorrow as feeling bit better.Quote:
Originally Posted by vom Dufenshmirtz
Nice too get out for a walk today. 7 birds found unfortunately my beeper collar crapped out so made locating the point bit trying. Although work the dog close always amazes me how they can disappear when they lock up. On that note what is a good beeper out there any recommendations need just that beeper too add to the collar bell.
Also had an unpleasant run in with a coyote today. Only words exchanged however don't like it when they stand their ground.
We've been seeing multiple birds daily for the last week. She put up a turkey yesterday. I'd love to able to read her mind when that happens....lol.
Its happened to my dogs a couple of times think the general reaction is "Holy crap that's the biggest pheasant I've ever seen !!!!!!!!!!"Quote:
Originally Posted by mark_t1012001
They have laid eggs and are on nests down here now.
Seems like all the birds I had in my spots were single birds for the most part, big females.
We are done for the season down here.
Never did get into big numbers, 3 in one spot was the most we got into.
Let me know how it goes up there.
Hopefully those who have starting nesting make it through the forthcoming nasty weather here in the south. The first set of a Dove's nest failed in my neighbours yard. It was high and dry protected under a partial roof, nest was abandoned.......too cold??
RB
This weather! poor little guys :(
Terrible for all birds starting their breeding season ! The chipmunks have emerged this week too. Wrong week !
Your chipmunks must be old and need their sleep, :) they have been out around our place since the good weather set in last month and are busy beneath the bird feeders.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharon
We are only about 10 to 12 minutes southeast of Cambridge.
Took a stroll with my boy Titan in my village Friday night and veered off to a dead-end road to the lake. Halfway to the lake he slammed on point looking towards the ditch and held his point as I’m scanning the layout for a bird...wouldn’t you know! I’ve never seen a woodcock that close before couldn’t believe how it was not skittish. Just 2 weeks prior we’d seen one fly away from a creek in the ditch. Only seen 2 here in Muskoka personally, the third was a dead one in our backyard in the fall we assumed was migrating.
I’m still seeing woodcock passing thru the London area.
This weather is not good for any ground nesting bird. Lets just hope mother nature finds a way!
Not too worried just yet. Early enough that if the first nest is unsuccessful there is still good time for a second nest. Just need the weather to cooperate and the trend seems to be getting back to normal after this storm passes.Quote:
Originally Posted by huntervinni
you fellas are missing the point, it's not about nesting, it's about survival.
Euro woodcock can survive frozen ground for about one week, I assume ours are similar.
While grouse sit in a tree and wait for snow to melt the woodcock will simply perish.
Survival is a given think they are more resilient than you give them credit for. Heck the doves just had a successful hatch so it couldn't be that bad for them.Quote:
Originally Posted by vom Dufenshmirtz
Grouse are also ground nesting birds.Quote:
Originally Posted by vom Dufenshmirtz
Doves nest in trees...... I was referring to survival of the adults due to the hard layer of ice on the ground.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
Yes but if a dove restricted to sitting on a nest can get their eggs to hatch in this weather I'm sure an adult woodcock can find enough shelter to carry them through this weather.Quote:
Originally Posted by huntervinni
Agreed. My pigeons have a very open loft that wind can blow through all year round. They have no problems hatching and raising young.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk
I wouldn’t be too worried about the woodcock, sure there under stress from the weather, but they have evolved and lived on these migration routes for hundreds of years. I’m sure it’s not the first time they have had to deal with this type of weather. They will be fine.
Doves, Pigeons.....all birds that can handle the cold. Pigeons don't migrate and some doves spend all winter up here, apples and oranges guys. Again I'm not saying that they will be wiped out because of this, but why add fuel to the fire? This storm hit when most birds were returning from their migration north and no doubt they were tired and hungry and then to have to go through that storm......I'm sure some perished but then again who the heck knows. They are a miraculous bird that we still have a lot to learn from.