Birdwatching or birding is one of the fastest growing outdoor recreational activities in North America. Observing the passage of the wave of birds through the continent is enjoyed by millions of people, ranging from those who watch the birds at the feeder in their backyards to those who travel throughout the world to observe the various species.
The Almaguin Region provides birding opportunities throughout the year. The winter months see the fewest number of species and individuals. However, there are species that appeal to the ardent observer. The spruce bogs of the Almaguin Highlands contain populations of Spruce Grouse, Boreal Chickadees, Gray Jays and Black-backed Woodpeckers. These typically boreal or northern birds are near the southern limits of their range in Ontario in this region. Although all four are present throughout the year, winter and early spring is normally the best time to attempt to locate them. The nesting habits of the Gray Jay make it species of interest as it starts to nest in March with the young fledging in early May to take advantage of the summer food supply. Common Ravens commence the courtship flights in February, as they are early breeders as well.
Winter finches, such as Pine Grosbeaks, Red Crossbills, White-winged Crossbills, etc., are winter nomads and may be here one winter in huge number and absent in other years. The abundance of the cone crop here and at other places determines their winter distribution.
Spring sees the wave of birds arriving from southern wintering grounds. The spring migration commences in early April with the arrival of Saw-whet Owls and American Woodcock. As the lakes and rivers open waterfowl of many species pass through. There are large numbers of Hooded Mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks, and Common Bufflehead, which remain to nest in the small wetlands that dot the area. April is the month the Common Loons arrive to fill the night air with their haunting calls. The call of the loon across a northen lake is a Canadian icon.
The woodlands fill with nesting birds in the month of May when the neotropical migrants arrive. The wood warblers are the jewels of the forest community and 21 species nest annually in this region. Many birders travel to migration hot-spots to observe them passing through. In this region these birds establish breeding territories, construct their nests and raise their broods. The variety of forest habitats including hardwoods, mixed and conifers provide the specific nesting requirements of the individual species. Nesting wood warblers of interest in this region include the Northern Parula, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Magnolia Warbler and Canada Warbler.
Besides the spectacularly coloured warblers there are other songsters of the deep woods. The melodious call of the Hermit Thrush can be heard echoing throughout the woodlands in the breeding season. The ‘O-Canada-Canada-Canada’ call of the White-throated Sparrow is another musical symbol of the northern landscape. The open spruce bogs in the Almaguin region contain significant populations of Lincoln Sparrows, a very shy and secretive bird. Listen for their wren-like song which makes them easier to find.
The fall migration which commences in late July and lasts until December provides challenges as well. Many species are not in either breeding finery, however, with the young of the year there are more birds to observe. Fall wanderers from across the continent can show up at any time. The open lakes are locations to check for concentrations of loons and waterfowl.
A birding year in the Almaguin region provides excitement during all months. Each month sees the arrival of new species or interesting behaviours of the residential species. Explore the many woodlands, lakes and river, wetland and bogs to discover the species present.
Dog Sledding
The interior of Canada is a maze of wandering rivers that interlace the vast forests of Canada.
This intricate network of waterways, which was both an obstacle to overland travel and a tenuous alternative to it, made the opening of the Northwest a uniquely Canadian Adventure. Whereas; the American pioneer crossed the plains in large covered wagons, the Canadian terrain allowed for the use of dog teams in winter and canoes in summer.
Anyone can walk a trail, paddle a river, or mush a team of dogs through the forest. It's not what you do - it's what you experience and learn along the way that makes the adventure memorable. Every turn in the trail, every bend in the river has a "story to tell".
The Forgotten Trails, which are also part of the Trans Canada Trail, are a series of recreational trails which trace the footsteps of the area’s first Native inhabitants and the settlers who opened up the colonization roads.
Today the remnants of the trails left behind by the previous inhabitants have been meticulously researched, cleared and reopened so that wilderness and historical enthusiasts can explore the wonders and mysteries that abound in the Almaguin Highlands.
The trails are brushed and marked each spring and provide an exciting opportunity to explore nature, whether on foot, bicycle or horseback. Hiking trails are well marked and vary in distances from on kilometre to 8.5 kilometres. There are cycling tours covering distances of 15 to 50 kilometres, canoe routes and an Algonquin driving tour. Forgotten Trails signs with the distinctive tree logo are posted along the routes.
Pick up a free Forgotten Trails brochure, which includes a detailed map, at the South River Information Centre.
The South River Forgotten Trails are a series of on-road and off-road hiking and cycling trails which are maintained throughout the region. There is something for everyone and every level of ability. Follow in the footsteps of the early settlers by hiking and cycling the early colonization roads such as the Old Nipissing Road, Old Rye Road and Old Muskoka Road. With its natural beauty and historical importance, the Old Nipissing Road has been designated a part of the Trans Canada Trail.
Some delightful hiking opportunities await you in South River. Trails abound with possibilities, whether you like them flat and well-marked, or hilly rugged and wild! The Forgotten Trails, a project of our Chamber of Commerce, offers some trails which offer a good look at the flora and fauna of the South River area.
The Tower Trail, to the East, goes up to the top of a steep hill and the view from the top is tremendous, covering an entire valley of trees, beaver ponds and not a road or hydro pole in sight. The view is well worth the climb, and the top is a wonderful picnic spot. We have so many trails, just like that.
We have trails that lead to a private lake, with a canopy of pine trees, and a carpet of soft needles. We have trails that lead around in a big circle and come back to where they started. We have trails that lead around active beaver dams, rivers, creeks and swamps. We have trails that follow the high and dry ridges of a glacial esker.
So many possibilities. Let your curiosity out to play. So many of our trails change completely over the course of a season. Even in the dead of winter, our trails are alive. We see tracks of birds and bunnies, and even changes in the snow colour. "Just another day in paradise!"
Come, let us share the beauty of our paradise with you and yours.
Hiking & Cycling
There are a lot of lakes that offer fine fishing in the Almaguin area. One of the popular areas is Eagle Lake to the west of South River. There is quite a variety of fish to go after in the lake. They include bass, pickerel, whitefish, rainbow trout, speckled trout, splake, ling perch and smelt.
The majority of the sport fish in the lake are smallmouth bass. There’s excellent fishing for those. The bass make good eating. They can be caught with worms or leeches, or if you want to use an artificial lure, a hula-popper is recommended.
Whitefish can be caught on a jig in deep water. For perch fishing though, you need to find a rocky shoal. Then, where you find one, you’ll find plenty.
Trout are not nearly as plentiful as bass. Fishing for them is best done when flies are hatching, using a fly rod, or a small spinner or lure. You can try for rainbows, but you never know where they’re going to be.
The speckled trout can be found mostly around creek mouths.
If you don’t have a boat handy, a good place to fish is at the Eagle Lake Narrows, especially at certain times of the day. Try it either early in the morning, in the late evening or sometimes when a storm is coming up.in the South River.
Machar Township, west of South River, has smallmouth bass in Bray, King and Eagle Lakes. Eagle Lake also has pickerel, whitefish and rainbow trout.
Laurier Township, east of South River, has lake trout in Seven, Twelve, Sausage, Hawe, Beautiful and Laurier Lakes, as well as in the lake in South River itself.
That lake also has rainbow trout and smallmouth bass, Ballantyne Township, west of Laurier has brook and lake trout in many of its lakes, too.
