-- 216.192.86.12
Attention birding enthusiasts! The New Year is nearly upon us and it's already time to be thinking about birding in the Spring of 2005. There is a fairly small window of opportunity to register for the Spring Edition of the Peel District School Board's Community Education Birding Class (the PBC) and that period begins now and ends on January 31st.
The first official outing is on March 26 and goes every Saturday until the end of May, 2005. Even though the course description indicates that it is eight weeks in duration, this time period covers 10 weekends and gives participants the chance to miss a few Saturdays and still get their money's worth. If you don't want to miss any Saturdays then this gives you two bonus days to learn more about birds and birding! The class dates coincide with the spring migration and will give us the opportunity to ID birds by sight in their breeding plumage and by song as well.
Last years version of the PBC recorded 247 species of birds observed on our Saturday outings to various places in Ontario in 2004. This winter is the year of the northern owl species irruption to southern Ontario and we will make special pre-class trips in both January and February to find them. You can now register online and find other registration information there as well by following the links on the PBC homepage at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
If you have any questions about the registration process, birding itinerary, or wish to join us on any early year owl prowls, please e-mail me (breteg@yahoo.ca) for more information. The PBC also has a listserve for birding trip reports and other info at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/
It's primary purpose is to keep participants informed of any schedule changes and to record the birding highlights of our outings. Important news and information related to bird conservation and education is also periodically posted on the PBC listserve to help keep people up to date on both local, regional, and international issues of concern and/or interest to birders.
Be sure to get out now and enjoy the nothern owl "invasion" into southern Ontario, just please be careful not to disturb the birds by getting too close to them. Many are in a weakened state due to lack of food and are thus more vulnerable to any kind of stress. In the meantime, Happy New Year to all and enjoy the winter birding season! Sincerely, Brete
-- 152.163.100.198
In Reply to: Owls at Tommy Thompson Today posted by Andrew Don on December 30, 2004 at 12:32:22:
Hi,
I plan to go to Tommy Thompson on Sunday and I would love to be able to see the owls. Where exactly did you see them in the park? I would appreciate any information at all.
Thanks,
Kabir
-- 70.49.116.209
In Reply to: Re: great gray owl posted by mc² on December 30, 2004 at 08:13:15:
MC2
The Owl was on Brimley rd. about half way down the hill towards the lake. Today I saw the owl three different times, all on the west side of the road (what a site). I hope he-she is able to find lots of food and sticks around for awhile. This is the third owl that I have seen in the wild. I have seen hawks, deer, fox, beaver, anyway I just wanted to say that the wild life at bluffers Park is great and its in the city. Sorry for yapping so much. I am now a Gray fan. I will look for Mr gray tomorrow.
-- 64.231.46.52
Since the link is not working, try this URL http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/ONTB.html#1080348869, there is alot of good birding
-- 24.226.10.99
Just got back from birding at the spit this morning ,couldn't find the Boreal owl :( but 2 beautiful Great Gray owls ,1 was 10ft away in the open ,great photos and video i took of them ,also there were 2 Great Horned owls, 3 Nothern Goshawks hunting rabbits ,Rough-legged and Red-tailed hawks ,Winter Wren ,Lapland longspur, Snow buntings ,American pipit flew over ,all the usual winter ducks and usual winter songbirds like tree sparrows, chickadees, juncos, downy woodpeckers etc. Also in the mammal department there was a Beaver ,Coyote with a radio collar, Racoon sleeping in a tree by the entrance ,feral cat ,many rabbits including 2 that were splattered all over the ground where the goshawks had ripped them apart and a Deer carcass. Not bad morning ,the landfill is closed so you can go birding all this week ,think will go tomorrow and try for the Boreal again :)
-- 142.106.62.56
In Reply to: great gray owl posted by Eddy on December 29, 2004 at 20:50:49:
whereabouts was the owl?
-- 64.228.36.123
Yesterday afternoon at dusk. Here's a blow by blow description of the action: hawk grabs duck on the ice just at edge of open water in my pond, duck somehow gets to water pulling hawk with it, both birds flapping around in water, hawk flaps to edge of ice and then on to ice pulling duck with it, then hawk drags duck 20 feet or so away from edge of ice, duck appears to be finished, hawk stands on duck and appears to start plucking it, duck doesn't care for this procedure starts to struggle and manages to break free, flapping back to open water. Goshawk leaves area. Several splotches of blood on the ice are silent testimony to the encounter yesterday. Just nature at work. Al
-- 70.49.167.253
Inspired by the reports of owls from all over, I went for a walk this morning in Colonel Sam Smith Park. I didn't find any owls, but I did find a flock of 7 Snow Buntings. At 9:00 this morning, they were near the southern most headland.
There wasn't much else of note: 1 Red-necked Grebe, 5 or 6 Hooded Mergansers and a few Red-breasted Mergansers. Several hundred Greater Scaup flew by, heading east.
BB
-- 70.49.159.210
The last two day (Dec28-29) I have seen what I would think to be the same gray hanging out it the trees at Bluffers Park in Toronto. I have some great pics :).
-- 172.128.247.150
In Reply to: Re: Grey Jay?? posted by Al Johnston on December 29, 2004 at 13:16:09:
it came right up to our living room window... then fled as i went to investigate. I've seen grays in algonquin.. i think they are bigger..
i need to look up northern mocking birds and i'll get back to u.
lovely bird nevertheless..
r
-- 65.94.110.64
In Reply to: robins in High Park, Toronto posted by Charles Caty on December 29, 2004 at 09:53:36:
it is normal.
-- 64.228.47.13
In Reply to: Grey Jay?? posted by Rob on December 29, 2004 at 09:18:12:
Rob, at a quick glance a northern mockingbird might suggest a gray jay and on Dec. 19th. Tony Johnson started a thread that showed that the NOMO over-winter around Toronto. Gray jays are usually very tame. Did your bird demonstrate this characteristic? Al
-- 142.221.110.4
Was walking in High Park, Toronto yesterday (Tuesday) and saw lots of the usual chickadees, both red and white breasted nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, juncos - especially in the south end of the park. Also was surprised to see a large flock of at least 20 robins foraging in the snow near where the zoo animals live. I saw a flock of robins in the park last winter as well. Are other people seeing more robins in Toronto in the winter? Is this normal?
ps happy birding in 2005 to everyone!
-- 207.164.224.2
2 Great Grays are still at Cranberry this morning. In fact both were next to each other, one with worn tail feathers and one without.
There's at least 2 if not 3 Barred Owls, and Doug Lockrey also saw the Great Horned, Long-eared and Short-eared owls also this morning.
Be careful when going there, as there's getting to be a lot of traffic down Hall's road.
-- 172.150.38.217
Hello,
I live in the GTA in your typical suburban subdivision. I saw what appeared to be a Gray Jay in my backyard. Is this possible? What else could it have been?
Thanks!
R
-- 64.228.116.152
In Reply to: Yes It's Open posted by Kin Lau on December 27, 2004 at 17:29:56:
It is a shame that the only park that is dog free is treated in such a way by the dog walkers! we on the advisory comity to the park are trying to do something about this issue but it is a tuff one!!
Could you tell us wear you saw the waterfowl though ? I am hoping to go out tomorrow and wood love to see Blue wing teal ??
Craig
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: RFI: Tommy Thompson open on Dec 27? posted by Kin Lau on December 25, 2004 at 15:18:43:
Spent 4 hrs there today, it was cold. The Landfill operations are closed Dec 27-31, so Tommy's open for birding.
1 Juv Bald Eagle, several Red Tails, 1 N Harrier, 1 Great Horned Owl, 1 Rough Legged Hawk, 1 N Shrike, lots of Long tailed ducks, Buffleheads, a few common Goldeneye, Blue-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Black backed gulls, the usual Mallards, Am Black Ducks and Chickadees. And 1 Beaver.
On bad note, I counted at least 6 dog owners with their dogs, all of whom were off-leash, and one black cat, very cold and up in a small tree.
-- 64.228.53.146
This raptor just flashed by the front of house, checking out the 45 0r 50 American black ducks and mallards in their little patch of open water in the pond out front. I guess he was hoping that one of them would make a break for it but they sat tight and he finally flew off. He'll probably be back. Al
-- 142.150.241.83
In Reply to: RFI: Tommy Thompson open on Dec 27? posted by Kin Lau on December 25, 2004 at 15:18:43:
The sign said closed Dec 27-31. Too bad. It was cold and quiet on
Boxing Day...3 beaver, a Northern Harrier, a Rough-legged Hawk and a
single Common Goldeneye. ...missed finding a sawwhet owl and
several Greathorned owls reported by others.
-- 69.158.108.202
In Reply to: Re: Peregrine in and near Toronto? posted by Al Johnston on December 24, 2004 at 13:42:47:
Thankyou for the information.
The reason I thought that bird number (2) two was a form of falcon is because in flight its wings were narrow and pointed "dove like". It was amazing to watch it soar just above the tree tops. It dissapeared over the houses at the end of the street "two hundred feet away" and all of a sudden 7 to 10 doves scattered. Since then I have seen no doves perched on the power lines as usual. Our area seems to have an extremly large dove population.
here is a link that I have been using.
http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/idlist.html
victor
-- 69.158.161.81
We live in the Bathurst/Finch area, in Toronto. Today, my son noticed a bird running around in our neighbours' backyard. It was a Chukar. I remember this bird being mentioned in a previous posting to this board. Is this bird moving into Toronto?
-- 66.11.164.150
Does anyone know if Tommy Thompson park is open on Monday Dec 27? My guest, is that it isn't but if someone knows for sure can you please reply.
-- 64.228.47.30
In Reply to: Peregrin in and near Toronto? posted by Victor on December 24, 2004 at 12:04:58:
Victor, your first raptor could very well have been a peregrine and I'm guessing northern goshawk in the 2nd case. Cool sightings! Al
-- 69.158.117.185
Hello all
1) city: Toronto
This past Tuesday As I was waiting for my GO Bus at Keele and 401. I observed a Redtail Hawk crusing around the off ramp from the 401 west to Keele, I didn't think much of that because I see them all of the time at Downsview Airport were I work. The Hawk gained height is started to cross the 401 southbound direction over the Eastbound lanes.I was startled to hear a "Ka" "ka" "ka" sound and I said thats not a Redtail. Then from behind a sleek slim winged raptor with a long narrow tail chased and caught up to the hawk and made two lunges at it from directly above. I have never seen a Peregrin but from the sleek shape and the speed that it turned and swooped away makes me think it was one.
10 minutes later the same bird perched on top of the new cell tower at the MTO directly above the Go bus stop.
It had a tan or reddish chest and a dark blue-ish back. It was quite large but smaller and slimmer than the red tail. To big to be a Merlin.. Are there nesting Pairs in the area?
2) City: Milton
Today a similar bird cruised through the neigbourhood and all of the doves departed in a very quik manner similar in size and colour to (story 1) but white chested through to its striped tail .
thanx in advance
-- 32.102.136.64
In Reply to: Re: Toronto Christmas Bird Count results posted by Al Johnston on December 24, 2004 at 09:06:32:
Just goes to show how important a reliable food source is for birds! As another example, 200+ House Finches were reported from a single feeder in Weston, representing over half of all the House Finches counted throughout the 24-km diameter circle - most sectors reported relatively few, and were it not for that one productive feeder, we wold have had out lowest total for them in over a decade.
-- 64.228.53.74
In Reply to: Toronto Christmas Bird Count results posted by Marcel Gahbauer on December 23, 2004 at 16:33:12:
Marcel, once again, I've got almost half the number of American black ducks along with a couple dozen mallards here in Whitchurch -Stouffville. Twice a day they waddle up from their little patch of open water for their feeding of whole corn. Al
-- 24.42.69.180
In Reply to: Re: Nice Winter Walk Rosetta McClain posted by Scott on December 23, 2004 at 14:10:19:
It's on the south side of Kingston Rd, east of Birchmount in Scarborough. It's a very small parkette, but can be good for birds at all times of year. It's right on the lake. If you walk out of the west exit along a residential street, you'll find another parkette a couple of blocks away. This can be good too.
David
PS It's actually called Rosetta McClain Gardens -->
http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/parks/parks_gardens/rosettagdns.htm
-- 32.102.136.6
A brief report on the 80th Toronto Christmas Bird Count, held last Sunday, Dec 19, under extremely cold conditions:
Despite the wind chill never rising above -25, over 80 participants searched their various sectors of the city for birds, and came up with 89 species, just one short of the all-time record. An additional 8 species have been reported (so far) during count week, Dec 16 to 22 inclusive.
The highlight of the day was our first ever CBC White-eyed Vireo, at High Park (the other recent High Park stars, Wilson's & Black-throated Gray Warblers, were seen within the preceding two days).
Other great sightings included our count's third ever Purple Sandpiper (Toronto Island), third Pine Warbler (Lambton Woods), fourth King Eider (Leslie Spit), sixth Wilson's Snipe (East Don Valley, same location as last year!), and sixth Bonaparte's Gull (Humber Bay).
Record highs were reported for Double-crested Cormorant (10), American Wigeon (68), Ruddy Duck (24), Bald Eagle (3), Merlin (2), Hermit Thrush (7), White-throated Sparrow (53).
Species with unusually low numbers were American Black Duck (58, fewest since 1946), Herring Gull (237, fewest since 1977), Great Black-backed Gull (32, fewest since 1985), American Kestrel (6, fewest since 1959), Belted Kingfisher (1, fewest since 1973), Blue Jay (18, fewest since 1949), American Crow (26, fewest since 1959), and Song Sparrow (14, fewest since 1947).
Among the species we missed were Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, Rough-legged Hawk, Thayer's Gull, Ring-necked Pheasant, and Northern Saw-whet Owl. If you happen to have seen any of these in Toronto during count week (Dec 16-22), please let me know.
Thanks to all who participated for putting up with the weather to make this a very successful count!
Marcel Gahbauer, compiler
-- 69.158.34.41
In Reply to: Nice Winter Walk Rosetta McClain posted by BIGFRANK on December 22, 2004 at 10:35:48:
Sounds like a good location. Do you mind sharing the location with all of us here?
-- 67.43.137.108
In Reply to: Cardinal flying into window posted by Doreen London on October 25, 2004 at 11:35:05:
Place a construction paper silhouette of a Falcon with spread wings on the window. The right size from wingtip to wingtip should be at 18 inches to be effective. Another option would be to place a plastic owl nearby but with that option you run the risk of scaring other birds you may be trying to attract away. My experience is that no harm befalls male Cardinals from doing this and with time this behavior will eventually cease.
-- 67.70.122.225
In Reply to: Re: Northern Mockingbird posted by Jean-François on December 22, 2004 at 16:42:29:
Jean-Francois:
Send me your e-mail address!
Regards,
Robert Goulet
-- 24.141.212.245
In Reply to: Sandhill Cranes in Southern Ontario posted by Chris on November 19, 2004 at 19:22:30:
I saw some on Manitoulin Island this past August. I live near Hamilton and I've never heard of any down here. My husband and son were in Erin tonight for a hockey practice. They go every Wednesday. I will tell them to watch for these cranes.
-- 65.50.52.114
In Reply to: Re: Northern Mockingbird posted by Robert Goulet on December 19, 2004 at 16:15:07:
Dear Tony,
I'm interested in receiving the information you passed on to John regarding the message "E-mail me if you want a more detailed list of plants and feeder enticements". My name is Jean-François and I have a Northern Mockingbird in my backyard (Queensway & Islington). Thank you in advance. Regards,
Jean-François
-- 205.188.116.198
Decided before the great blizzard of 2004 hit to go for a quick walk to my neighborhood park/garden. I arrived to hear Chickadees calling and soon found them. Saw a few Juncos,Goldfinch and a Downy Woodpecker. From atop the bluffs I could see several hundred Long-tailed Ducks and loved hearing their yodelling calls. A few Common Goldeneye and a couple of Hooded Mergansers were mixed in as well. Something then caught my eye,about 30 Ring-billed Gulls took flight all at once off the lake. I scanned the sky having seen this happen once before,and out of the snowy sky into my view came NOOO not him thats the 25th,but an early Xmas present for me of a juevenile Bald Eagle,below eye-level such that I could only see its back at first.On an upbeat I could see much mottling underneath finally. Loved it! Later saw a Redtailed Hawk fly through and then as I was leaving took a seat on a bench for a rest,when I heard an odd noise,looked just to my right and spied a juvenile Coopers Hawk perched in a tree. Not exactly California Dreamin,but still a nice walk on a winters day.
-- 64.228.116.173
Excuse my spelling and Grammar, I am Dyslexic thank you.
Amazingly their are still some great birds around the GTA even after the cold night’s we have bin having.
I started off at Downsview park wear I re found the Short-eared Owl out near the landing strip then will driving a long Rutherford Rd. and waiting for the lights to change at the corner of hwy #27 I watched a B. Kingfisher fly up the Humber river.
I drove slowly up McGillivray Rd. and close to the end I saw a large flock of snow buntings with 2 Lapland Longspur’s and 12 Horned Larks.
Then down Hwy # 50 to the Clairville Field Centre, Wear it tuck some time but the E. Towhee did show up after a wile with 2 cardinals the birds around the feeder are skittish do to all the raptors in the area 1 RT Hawk, 1 sharp shin , 1 snow owl and a Shrike .also in with all the House finch wear 2 Purple Finch
I then tuck a chance and went down to the lakeshore to the Rhododendron Park wear I re found the Pine Warbler along with the Chickadees over on the south east side of the park along the stream also seen hear wear 4 C Waxwing , 3 Robins and a winter wren . Out in the lake wear 7 Trumpeter swans only 2 had tags and only one was readable # 748 .
Last I went over to the Lake side park which is found off lakeshore rd in with the large # of geese and ducks wear 1 Cackling Goose .
So it wood seem that the cold dint push ever thing south .
Craig
Craig & Bev McLauchlan Toronto, Ont, Canada the World
-- 65.48.98.233
In Reply to: Re: Wild poultry? downtown Toronto posted by john on December 13, 2004 at 05:29:14:
Please post your address, I could really use the early Christmas dinner :)
-- 64.229.233.29
In Reply to: Re: Northern Mockingbird posted by john on December 19, 2004 at 14:45:45:
Northern Mockingbirds are regular winter residents and in Toronto and farther north. They have become relatively common breeders here, and their population is increasing annually. It's the Northern Cardinal story all over again; the cardinal's first confirmed breeding in the province was in 1901.
The mockers defend winter territories, quite aggressively at times, as they are almost entirely frugivorous in during this season, and depend on rose hips, barberry fruit and other other tasty bits.
E-mail me if you want a more detailed list of plants and feeder enticements.
If you have the bird, or can find it, the ornithology department at ROM might be interested.
Regards,
RG
-- 65.94.109.99
In Reply to: Northern Mockingbird posted by Tony Johnson on December 19, 2004 at 14:27:09:
i've seen a few mockingbirds over the winter in the last couple of years.
-- 69.199.10.79
During a jog today (at -14ºC ??) I found a recently deceased Mockingbird in the Ford Drive/Royal Windsor Drive area of Oakville. I guess he left it a litle too late?
-- 65.94.109.99
the usual winter shrike near the pearse house was there today.
-- 64.228.47.120
In Reply to: Swans posted by Ed Boucher on December 18, 2004 at 07:16:09:
Ed, thanks for the report. These swans are part of the Ontario Trumpeter Swan Restoration Program. I'll pass on the information on # 701 to Harry Lumsden, founder of the program. Al
-- 69.194.59.218
There are a number of Trumpeter swans this morning in the marina basin at Sam Smith park.
One of them has two yellow plastic tags attached to its back.
One tag has the number 701 stenciled in black ink while the other was inverted and could not be read. This individual was "trumpeting" loudly enough to be heard from the perimiter of the park. What to make of the tags?
Colonel Samual Smith park fronts on Lake Ontario between 11th. Street and 23rd. Street in southern Etobicoke
-- 70.80.116.143
In Reply to: Re: bird of prey posted by john on December 16, 2004 at 13:15:10:
I'd guess Red-tailed Hawk as well, based on the cream/brown description and the fact that I've seen them in that neighbourhood previously. They're certainly much more likely to be hunting on/near the ground than peregrines, although I have seen them on the ground with prey occasionally too. That's pretty rare though, and (aside from fledglings just learning to fly) I've never seen any of the downtown Toronto peregrines down low.
-- 199.243.9.29
In Reply to: bird of prey posted by Joanne on December 16, 2004 at 07:16:22:
I don't know if the falcon actually snatched the pigeon off of the ground, as there was a small hedge blocking some of my view. It may have snagged it in the air, but close to the ground, or perhaps from the top of an item, such as a lawn chair, which was in the yard.
I went to the pergrine web site and looked at the photos, and I must say it certainly looks like the bird I saw.
-- 64.228.116.152
In Reply to: bird of prey posted by Joanne on December 16, 2004 at 07:16:22:
Hi I have spent years watching the Peregrines in the down town area and the one thing that thay do not do is pick up their pray from the ground! I do not no what the bird might be but I think you should rule out Peregrine .
Craig
-- 70.48.47.50
In Reply to: Re: bird of prey posted by Iain Fleming on December 16, 2004 at 07:42:50:
hmm. the location, prey, and description don't rule out red-tailed hawk, though. i have seen RTHAs enjoying pigeon on several occasions in the downtown area.
the wing-span is a bit short, but size estimation is usually quite wrong, anyway.
-- 65.50.141.28
In Reply to: bird of prey posted by Joanne on December 16, 2004 at 07:16:22:
Given your location, species of prey, and description, I would go with Peregrine Falcon. With nesting pairs using Toronto's skyscrapers as cliff ledges, Peregrine's feed happily on the city's abundance of pigeons. Try a google images search and see if what comes up looks like what you saw.
Good Birding,
Iain
-- 142.106.62.56
In Reply to: bird of prey posted by Joanne on December 16, 2004 at 07:16:22:
there are a pair of peregrine falcons at 18 king street east (king and victoria). when i walk around the area i often see signs of feeding (they don't seem to like wings).
here is a good link:
http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/tops/torontod.html
-- 206.172.85.73
On December 12th, in the afternoon, I saw a huge bird of prey sweep down onto a neighbours front lawn and attack a pidgeon. He/she then flew off with a wee bloody drumstick. This was in the St. Lawrence market nieghbourhood, near Parliament and Front. Can anyone identify this bird for me? It was cream coloured with spots of various shades of brown and a wing span of about threee feet.
-- 64.228.116.29
Excuse my spelling and Grammar, I am Dyslexic thank you.
With the winter listing bug well bitten in to my skin I once again went out in search of birds today thinking that a good area to look in wood be the Durham area I was not let down .
First stop Thickson woods found at the end of Thickson rd south of the 401 in the town of Whitby , wear I was a ball to ree find the cat bird reported today’s ago and also watch a N Goshawk hunt the area , between the too of them I was their for quite some time . other highlights wear Pileated woodpecker , G.H.Owl and coopers hawk .
Then it was off to Lynde shores and Cranberry Marsh wear right of the bat I got to look eye to eye with the Sandhill Crane (with out being attacked like I was last year in B.C)I also saw 3 of my 4 owl speeches hear G.H.Owl 1, long e owl 2 , Barred Owl 1 , but the best bird was a Common Yellowthroat warbler giving me my third warbler speech for the winter Lynde shores is found on Victoria St in Whitby and Cranberry Marsh is found off Hall's Rd. from Victoria St .
I then drove to Col Sam park hear in Toronto wear the Snow Owl was seen out on the docks it wood seem that both the Snow Owls I have seen in the last week have bin females ??
I then did a quick stop in to High Park to look for the Varied Thrush with no luck I did see the W.E. Vero though but could not refined the BTGW seen earl in the day .
all and all a great day in the G.T.A
Craig
Craig & Bev McLauchlan Toronto, Ont, Canada the World
-- 67.70.85.226
In Reply to: Re: Wild poultry? downtown Toronto posted by john on December 13, 2004 at 05:29:14:
Please post your address. I could really use the eggs.
Lothar
-- 129.97.180.232
In Reply to: Barred Owl posted by Piers M. Perren on December 09, 2004 at 05:58:21:
I find it interesting that there have been all these recent sightings of Barred Owls - there must be somekind of movement going on. I've been looking for them, actively, in my own area for the past twelve years, and finally found one for the first time last month; but this one was in a relatively wild area (for a city) along the Grand River, and gave no indication at all of being weak or listless.
Peter Coo,
Kitchener
-- 67.70.98.22
In Reply to: Re: Wild poultry? downtown Toronto posted by Theresa Dobko on December 13, 2004 at 05:09:42:
that, or help yourself to an early christmas dinner.
-- 69.195.32.58
In Reply to: Wild poultry? downtown Toronto posted by paw on December 12, 2004 at 17:49:29:
Sounds like it might be an escapee from the nearby Riverdale Farm. You might want to give them a call and see if they have a runaway.
Good birding
-- 65.49.19.188
I live in the south riverdale area, and for the last two days along with the usual assortment of birds at my feeding post has been a fowl which I cannot identify. It was about 12 ins high, it had a red wattle hanging from the top of its head, its body was cream with dark underbody and tail feathers (which were long enough to brush the ground.) It looks like some sort of hen, but how did it get downtown and in particular into my yard?
-- 64.228.116.27
Excuse my spelling and Grammar, I am Dyslexic thank you. I tried to post this yesterday but it seemed that their was some holiday email gremlins playing computer games ! Yesterday Dec 11 2004 Carole Horner and I spent birding in the Toronto and Durham area we dint drive 100 K but saw some great birds . Starting with the Golden Crown sparrow at Cranberry march thanks to Doge for his keen eyes and his help with finding the bird , will we wear their we herd of a Snow Owl report Courtice rd and the 401 and we desired that this was to be our next stop . It tuck too pass to find the Owl ( only do to my miss ID of a large pigeon ) but we wear forts to stop do to my cell phone ringing and the Snow Owl was perched low on a fence post 50 yards from my car , the owl then flue down to the train tracks and was still there when we left . The reason my cell phone went off was yes to alert me to the refinding of the Black throated Gray warbler in High Park , thank you Gerry Guild ( you get my vote for Birder of the year ) before we left to drive like a Christmas shopper back to Toronto we did phone every one we could and look for others. When we arrived in High Park their was still a big grope looking for the Warbler But first Carole got some great looks at the Wight Eyed Vero vary low and actively feeding . When Ron Pittway yells did you hear that you must stop birthing and listen because their it was the BTGW flying around above our heads WOW my 5 life winter bird in 11 days !! What a blast as I have seed before "nothing beets birding in Ontario" !!! Cranberry march is found south of Victoria st off of Halls rd . in Whitby . Coutice rd is found east of Oshawa and is the turn off to Darlington P.Park And High Park is found hear in Toronto tack Colborne Loge dr north from the Queensway and park by the Colborne loge walk up the rood both the WEVO and the BTGW wear seen by the stars that lead down to the pond .
Craig & Bev McLauchlan , Toronto, Ont, Canada, World
-- 65.50.52.114
Seen today between 9:00 and 11:00:
Canada geese (unbelievable!!!)
1 Red-tailed hawk
1 Great blue heron (flying over)
1 Pileated woodpecker (at the entrance near the duck pond)
3 Hairy woodpecker
6 Downy woodpecker
2 Red-breasted nuthatch
1 White-breasted nuthatch
Rusty blackbird (1 female)
-- 69.194.59.218
In Reply to: Re: Snowy owl posted by Brian Bailey on December 11, 2004 at 12:42:20:
The Snowy has returned to its Friday location at the western entrance to the marina basin as of 7:30 A.M. Sunday.
Approaching from the park's west side at 23rd street and looking out to the south at the rocky spit forming the northern half of the entrance from the open lake.
There was a Red-tailed hawk working the fields between the boat storage yard and the old power plant building as well.
-- 70.49.170.182
In Reply to: Snowy owl posted by Ed Boucher on December 10, 2004 at 07:27:39:
At 1:00 Saturday afternoon, she (I think) was about halfway out the east dock sitting on an electrial outlet box.
Also present were a Red-necked Grebe and a female Hooded Merganser in the harbour. The rest of the waterfowl were pretty typical:
Mute Swan
Canada Goose
Mallard
Black Duck
Gadwall
Goldeneye
Bufflehead
Long-tailed Duck
and Red-breasted Merganser.
There were also 2 Kestrels (m & f).
BB
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: Re: Barred Owl posted by Dave on December 10, 2004 at 15:23:25:
Strange... the Barred Owl of Nov 3 at Cranberry Marsh, which also stayed out in the open, and allowed us to get very close (we were only 6ft away taking pic's) also died a few days later on the beach. Perhaps the older/sick birds know that their time is up, and simply don't care/have_the_energy to hide any more.
There's a different Barred Owl now at Cranberry that I've seen for at least 3 weeks now. This one is also fairly friendly, but 15ft is the closest I've gotten. The resident Great Horned Owl refuses to even stay in sight.
-- 64.231.157.207
In Reply to: Barred Owl posted by Piers M. Perren on December 09, 2004 at 05:58:21:
Unfortunately the Barred Owl was found dead this morning by staff from the ROM where it was taken to be studied. Apart from seeming thin, the cause of death was unknown.
-- 69.194.59.218
Snowy owl sighted 8:00 A.M. Friday December 10th, in Sam Smith park. The owl was at rest on the rocky outcrop at the western entrance to the marina basin. Sam Smith is located at the foot
of Kipling Avenue beyond the Humber College property.
-- 209.167.234.36
This was yesterday...
There is a Barred Owl in the Trinity College Quadrangle at the University of Toronto. It has been there all day and there is a pellet and quite a lot of white wash under it.
Trinity College at the University of Toronto is located on Hoskin Ave between Queen's Park and St. George (near the ROM).
All the best,
Max Perren Upper Canada College
-- 206.172.136.162
With Starphone ending operations as of Dec.31, 2004, does anyone know what the new phone number
will be for the TOC hotline? I have looked for it with no luck.
-- 64.228.53.25
In Reply to: Mockingbird posted by François on December 05, 2004 at 12:06:12:
This species eats insects and fruit so you might try putting out some raisins, pieces of cut-up apple, berries etc. Good luck and, please keep us posted. Al
-- 65.50.52.114
I have been seeing regularly a mockingbird in my backyard (Queensway and Islington) for the last month and I don't know what kind of food he may need. Can you help me?
-- 128.100.72.138
In Reply to: Rouge Park Winter Bird Count posted by Michelle Closson on December 03, 2004 at 11:40:45:
Below is a link to the poster for the count.
-- 199.243.5.130
Whether you are a professional birder, nature enthusiast, or want to learn about Rouge Park and its birds, you are invited to volunteer in the Second Annual Rouge Park Winter Bird Count on Sunday January 9, 2005.
The count encompasses a large section of the Parks diverse and environmentally significant landscapes in the Rouge River watershed including portions of Markham and eastern Toronto.
**Experienced birders are needed to lead groups as captains**
Volunteers are also needed to count birds in the backyards of their own homes and report their findings.
For more info check out www.rougepark.com or to register contact Michelle Closson at Rouge Park, 905.713.7729 or e-mail michelle_closson@rougepark.com.
Thanks!
-- 64.228.116.192
A White Eyed Vireo was ree found by my self and seen by others to day at 12;15 and seen up until I left at 1:10 at the south end of High park
Thanks to Dave Beadle sharp eye's we both saw that this bird is banded on its right leg .
It was near the top of the wooden stars at the south east end of grenadier pond look for Golden crowned Kinglet's it was staying with them .
High park is found on the west side of Toronto off Parkside dr or Bloor st , to find this area you must go south throw the park along Colbourne lodge dr. And look for the stars near the stop sigh look for it in this area .
Craig & Bev McLauchlan
Toronto, Ont, Canada, World
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: GTA winter birds 2004 posted by Craig McLauchlan on December 01, 2004 at 18:20:09:
Off the Scarborough Bluffs yesterday, there are Long-Tail Ducks, Buffleheads and one Red-Throated Loon in the area off Bluffers Park (end of Brimley Avenue in Scarborough).
The Northern Shrike was also at Cranberry yesterday.
-- 64.228.116.185
I desired to start my 2004 winter list off with the Golden Crown Sparrow out at Cranberry Marsh which after weating for a hour did come out for all to see around 12:30 to 1:00 , I was lucky to come up with 62 speeches of birds from Ashbridges bay in the mourning wear a com. Loon was seen to Cranberry Marsh / Lynde shores wear high lights wear 4 Geese species ,Greeter White-Fronted Goose , Snow Goose , Canada Goose and Cackling Goose also the Barred Owl was seen in Lynde shores. Over at Thickson woods wear I found a Little Gull out flying around with 30 or so Bonaparte's gulls.
Then back to Toronto to Humber bay to re find the Ruddy Ducks and the male adult Harlequin Duck all and all a good day of birding in the GTA
Cranberry Marsh / Lynde shores is found of Victoria st in Whitby , Thickson woods is found at the end of Thickson rd in Whitby and Humber bay is found at Lakeshore and Parklawn hear in Toronto
Craig McLauchlan
Craig & Bev McLauchlan
Toronto, Ont, Canada, World
-- 69.195.87.90
In Reply to: What bird posted by Chris on November 30, 2004 at 07:34:59:
Could it be a Peregrine Falcon? I found some pictures that are reminiscent of the colour pattern. they're almost big enough, and it might explain the flight?
I've never seen one in person.
-- 69.195.87.90
In Reply to: Re: What bird posted by Kin Lau on December 01, 2004 at 12:08:25:
the stripe(s) (it looked like one) were horizontal. We couldn't really see it fly, when it took flight it launched from its pirch with one or two wing beats and glided below the line of the fence where we lost sight of it. it was reminiscent of a large hawk or eagle taking flight from a high pirch (not a lunge after prey, just taking flight).
and I only saw it land out of the corner of my eye, but it was the size and the movement that caught my eye.
-- 207.164.224.2
In Reply to: Re: What bird posted by Chris on November 30, 2004 at 16:32:56:
A Black-Crown Night Heron gets the blue colour once they're adult, and that colour doesn't change with the seasons. As a Juvenile, they're quite brown, and the belly and neck is striped.
Were the stripes vertical or horizontal? How did it fly, fast wingbeats or slow?
-- 69.195.87.90
In Reply to: What bird posted by Chris on November 30, 2004 at 07:34:59:
I'm not wrong about the size, I spoke with my mom who also saw the bird and she compared it to the size of a large seagull.
-- 65.95.104.242
In Reply to: What bird posted by Chris on November 30, 2004 at 07:34:59:
Your description sounds like a belted Kingfisher to me, although they are much smaller than a raven.
-- 69.195.87.90
In Reply to: What bird posted by Chris on November 30, 2004 at 07:34:59:
thanks for all the suggestions I've looked each of them up to see what I could find. there are two large ponds in the neighborhood (within 5 minutes walk) so my first thought was actually that it looked like a King Fisher because of the coloring, but I'm positive about the size so that doesn't fit (unless it was a mutant). I looked up the Black Crowned Night Heron and the picture I saw looked close, however there was no mention of a reddish stripe on the front of the bird (another feature I'm sur of), and according to the information I found they only take on the bluish hue during mating season (is that in the fall?). as for the green heron and the coopers hawk neither of them fit the discription/coloring.
thanks for all the suggestions, guess I'll keep looking.
Chris
-- 24.42.69.180
In Reply to: What bird posted by Chris on November 30, 2004 at 07:34:59:
Green Heron?
http://www.christinevadai.com/GRHE.jpg
David
-- 64.228.48.9
In Reply to: What bird posted by Chris on November 30, 2004 at 07:34:59:
Chris, a raven is a very large bird; bigger than almost all our hawks and owls. Unless you saw your bird near water, I think you can safely rule out Black-crowned night heron and Kingfisher (with respect to Kin Lau and John). I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest Coopers hawk, particularly if there is a bird feeder in the yard where the Cooper's might have been hunting. Al
-- 207.164.224.2
In Reply to: What bird posted by Chris on November 30, 2004 at 07:34:59:
Look up a picture of a "Black Crown Night Heron", sounds like an immature/juvenile.
-- 70.48.45.140
In Reply to: What bird posted by Chris on November 30, 2004 at 07:34:59:
not raven-sized, but was it maybe a kingfisher?
-- 69.195.87.90
I was looking for some help identifying a bird I saw on the weekend. I've lived in the GTA for 20+ years and don't recall ever seeing a bird like this. On the weekend in Whitby I saw a large bird (about the size of a raven), it's back was coloured the same blue as a blue heron, with a white stomach and a stripe of what looked like a rusty brown/red stripe across the chest and up the throat. I didn't get a clear look at the head so I'm not sure about facial fetures (beak, colouring etc.) But it flew into the backyard, in a residential area, landed on the fence for a while and flew away. Any ideas?
-- 64.228.116.81
To day I went out on to Tommy Thompson Park ( aka the Leslie st spit ) all though I got their a little late , I was lucky to meet up with Big Frank and its always good to have a second pare of eyes ,
He had heard that a Snow Owl had bin seen out in the park last weekend but we could not refined it today , and we look ever wear that they had bi seen in the past ??
But we did come up with some good birds for the last weekend of Nov.
like Goshawk 1 , N Harrier 1, Kestrel 3 , Merlin 1 , Rough lag Hawk 1 , Red Tall hawk 1 , Pipit 1, Bonaparte gull 11 , Tundra swan 3 , Canada Goose 32 , Crackling Goose 1 , Great Horned Owl 1 .
A long with all the other winter water fowl, that can regular found a long the lake.
It is always worth the walk out on the spit!!
Craig McLauchlan
Tommy Thompson Park is found at the foot of Leslie st south of the lake shower boulevard and is only open on weekends and holidays.
-- 64.10.121.183
In Reply to: Re: Ducks posted by Pat Hodgson on November 19, 2004 at 07:16:42:
Ive been looking off the bluffs just abit further east of your location and Id say the large rafts of ducks are almost entirely Long-tailed Ducks, There are a number of Buffleheads mixed in and a good number of Common Goldeneye around too. I heard over 300000 Long-tailed Ducks make their winter home on Lake Ontario!
-- 69.197.100.77
In Reply to: Sandhill Cranes in Southern Ontario posted by Chris on November 19, 2004 at 19:22:30:
Hi Chris;
As Marcel said Manitoulin is a very large staging area for the Sandhills in the Fall.Given your location I don't think it is or will be unusual for you to see them as they Migrate south.I am sure that many will make the flight over the Bruce Penninsuala, from there Staging Areas of Manitoulin.
Cheer's Garth/Innisfil
-- 70.80.116.143
In Reply to: Sandhill Cranes in Southern Ontario posted by Chris on November 19, 2004 at 19:22:30:
They're becoming more common, but in most areas are still quite an uncommon sight. The best places to see Sandhill Cranes remain Big Creek Marsh at the base of Long Point and, if stretching the definition of southern Ontario considerably, Manitoulin Island, where quite a few breed and large numbers stage every fall.
-- 209.50.73.118
Today (Nov. 19) I saw two flocks of Sandhill Cranes fly overhead (total approx. 15-20 birds) within a couple of minutes. I live near Erin Ontario, about 30 km NW of Guelph. I have never seen Sandhills here before.
I am trying to determine how uncommon an occurrence this is. Comments welcome.
-- 67.68.45.246
In Reply to: Ducks posted by Tony Wells on November 19, 2004 at 05:52:20:
There are likely to be be several different duck species at the same time in this general area, even in the same flock. The main candidates are long-tailed duck (formerly called oldsquaw, if you have an older reference book), bufflehead, mallard, gadwall, common goldeneye, greater and/or lesser scaup, red-breasted and/or common merganser, but others are also possible. Of these, scaup are most likely to congregate in very large flocks, but long-tailed duck and red-breasted mergansers are sometimes in large groups as well. Most of the above are fairly easy to identify, except it can be very tough to separate greater and lesser scaup from each other. Take a look in a field guide and I'm sure you'll be able to identify several species.
Pat Hodgson
Toronto
-- 64.231.226.212
I have been rowing at Cherry Beach. There are huge flocks of ducks in the water between the Eastern entrance to the harbour and the Gibraltar Point lighthouse on the Leslie Street spit. Can anyone tell me what these ducks are or are likely to be?
-- 207.164.224.2
In Reply to: How to look for Owls posted by Ruben Moya on November 12, 2004 at 19:11:19:
As winter approaches, you'll have better chances of seeing owls during the day. My best spot for owl's so far, is the Cranberry Marsh (north trail) and Lynde Shores. Both are basically the same area.
Thickson's Woods is suppose to be good, since there's a couple of owls resident year round, but I've yet to catch sight of one, although I did hear it this morning.
As Gavin said, don't use a flash. They have huge eyes, and suffer from a flash much worse than you or I. Most owls don't let you get too close, although we had a Barred Owl let us stand 6ft from it to take pictures, but that's an exception. My Barred Owl this morning let me get about 30ft away before I decide not to press my luck, and also let others see this bird later.
With that in mind, make sure you have very long lenses. I was shooting with a 500mm + 1.4 tc on a Digital Rebel w/ 1.6 crop factor... that's a 1120mm effective focal length.
-- 64.231.219.182
In Reply to: Birding in greater Toronto Area posted by David Gibson on November 10, 2004 at 21:38:28:
You have already received good advice in the previous replies, but if you haven't already done so, check the "ONTBIRDS" link at the top of the http://outdoorontario.net/birds/ page. It will take you to a page with all the daily postings. You may need a map to figure out which ones are relatively close to Toronto, but it is an excellent source of information on Ontario rare bird sightings.
Alternatively, you could subscribe to Ontbirds for a week or so. The instructions are at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm
Good Luck!
BB
-- 24.141.172.70
In Reply to: How to look for Owls posted by Ruben Moya on November 12, 2004 at 19:11:19:
The most important thing to remember when photographing owls is RESPECT for the owl, forget the picture if you have to alter the environment in any way to get it. By not adjusting the scene you get the true picture, it may take longer but be creative.
Also NEVER ever use a flash. I love to photograph owls and have never required use of a flash. It can take many hours of patience for one picture simply by just having to wait for the sun to move. Good luck.
-- 216.183.143.253
Sunday afternoon we spotted a male & female Bald Eagle on the rock spit leading out into Miramichi Bay, leisurely lunching on fish. We watched them for 20 minutes before the Male took flight leaving his female companion on the rocky outcrop. Other highlights of a sunny afternoon was a Northern Shrike by the barn east of MacGregor Park and a flock of about 125 Snow Buntings mixed with a couple of Lapland Longspurs in a field close to Concession Rd 8.
-- 69.158.31.3
In Reply to: Mockingbird posted by Bruce Kappel on November 06, 2004 at 06:12:44:
Mockingbirds are a common site up here in Brampton, Clairville Conservation Area has several breeding sites in and around it. This year i found one pair with 5 young just south of there and another pair with three young near the reservoir. In fall they tend to move away from the breeding site, I don't know where they all go but one tends to winter around my back yard and can be regularly seen watching the other birds at the feeders. I also get a northern shrike watching my feeders during the winter on and off and Clairville has several Shrikes there now and some will remain for the winter as they always do.
Good birding to all.
Ian
-- 70.25.13.219
I was wondering if someone could give me a hand on how to look for Owls. I have an interest in photographing Owls but don't know what to read to learn about them as well as how to find Toronto spicies for me to photograph.
Thanks
-- 66.185.84.71
In Reply to: Re: Birding in greater Toronto Area posted by Kin Lau on November 11, 2004 at 05:27:04:
...and if you want to extend your range a bit, Niagara is fantastic for numbers and variety of gulls at this time of year. ( < 90 minute drive) An excerpt from an Ontbirds post today;
A big decline in Bonaparte's from Tuesday--Only 2370 in Fly-past. No white-winged found nor Purple S/P but there were 3 Dunlin behind the Barge.
Good news--imm. Sabine's at north side of Falls in the corner together with an imm.Little gull.There was an adult Little Gull at Lewiston off the water tower.
More good news--parking at the Greenhouse opposite old Toronto hydro building a.k.a.Electric Development Building or the Engineerium is only 3-00 /hour and perhaps free during the week-mine was.
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: Birding in greater Toronto Area posted by David Gibson on November 10, 2004 at 21:38:28:
The 20th is a Saturday, so Tommy Thompson Park aka Leslie Spit is open (it's only open on weekends). High Park and the Humber Bay is available all the time and both are accessibly by subway/public transit. Out in the east end, there's the Rouge Valley, particularly the portion of it near the zoo.
-- 66.185.84.71
In Reply to: Birding in greater Toronto Area posted by David Gibson on November 10, 2004 at 21:38:28:
A couple of references that might help;
http://www.torontobirding.ca/
Starphone rare bird hotline - (416) 350-3000 x2293
Good locations are a bit hit and miss at this time of year, so it's best to find out what's around.
D
-- 205.206.233.72
We are keen birders from Calgary and will be in the Toronto area from Nov 18 to 20 and are wondering where the best birding sites with a 50 km area from Toronto are at this time of year. We would be interested in sites where more eastern birds could be seen.
-- 199.71.174.100
In Reply to: Re: Mockingbird posted by David Shilman on November 09, 2004 at 13:02:52:
I have made a hobby of looking for Mockingbirds in Southeast Scarborough for years and have yet to see one there, yet I have seen a fair number in Western Toronto. There seems to be a real drop off in abundance as you move east through the GTA. I guess they are still spreading eastward and will get more common there in the future.
-- 66.185.84.71
In Reply to: Re: Mockingbird posted by Bob Kortright on November 08, 2004 at 09:24:11:
"...and one has been in Woodbine park near the southeast corner of Coxwell and Eastern for several years, but I have not seen one there for a couple of months."
I live about 2kms from there, and had one in my backyard on October 31.
David
-- 69.194.113.67
Today Winnie Poon and I were fortunate to see three species of loons in Lake Ontario just off shore from the first parking lot to the southwest of the police marine unit at Humber Bay Park West.
These loons were first found by Winnie at about 2:00 p.m. and she contacted me to come and have a look at these birds. We watched them continuously, at varying distances (as close as 60 metres at one point, but sometimes as far as 350-400 metres).
The loons consisted of 6 adult Common Loons (all in winter plumage), 1 adult Red-throated Loon (completed molt to winter plumage), and 1 juvenile Pacific Loon
GC
-- 209.47.189.93
In Reply to: Re: Golden-Crowned Sparrow (Whitby) posted by Kin Lau on November 08, 2004 at 10:09:42:
I saw the Golden-Crowned Sparrow (Whitby) at 4:05 PM
to-day and again with twqo other people at 4:45.
-- 207.164.224.2
In Reply to: Golden-Crowned Sparrow (Whitby) posted by Greg Stuart on November 08, 2004 at 07:51:05:
Hundreds of people have been coming to see this bird, and it's very regular. In the 2 hours I was there today, it came every 12 min's.
A Northern Shrike has also been giving us a good show for a few days now, fighting for almost 5 min's with 3 Blue Jays today.
The Barred Owl of Nov 3 has been spotted again (not the dead one spotted on the beach on the weekend).
-- 192.75.48.150
In Reply to: Mockingbird posted by Bruce Kappel on November 06, 2004 at 06:12:44:
Check the data in the Breeding bird atlas: At http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/map.jsp?map=be&species=NOMO&no=1&stype=1 you can see that signs of probable mockingbird breeding has been recorded even in Thunder Bay and Moosonee, and breeding has been confirmed in most parts of the GTA, which had only a few squares with confirmed breeding during the first atlas. I wouldn't call them common yet, but they certainly are increasing and spreading north. In Toronto, I usually find at least 1 mockingbird on a walk in Sam Smith park at the foot of Kipling, and one has been in Woodbine park near the southeast corner of Coxwell and Eastern for several years, but I have not seen one there for a couple of months. Good birding.
-- 69.197.196.119
For those people who do not subscribe to the OntBirds list hosted by the OFO (Ontario Field Ornithologists), a golden-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) has been seen for the last three days at the Cranberry Marsh Hawk Watch in Whitby.
The sparrow has been feeding with a mixed flock of sparrows on the path within meters of the path's end.
Directions: Take 401 to Salem (in Ajax). Exit Salem and head South to Bayly Road, Turn east on Bayly and continue past Lakefield Road to (packed gravel) Halls Road. Head down Halls Rd to the second entrance to Cranberry Marsh. Head down the trail (taking a left at the only fork) to the picnic table and this is where the bird has been feeding.
-- 66.203.189.69
Today at about 10 am, with many other birders, A western grebe was seen at 50 point conservation area. Many other waterfowl were seen including White winged scoters,common and red breasted mergansers, Long -tailed ducks and buffleheads
-- 64.229.129.222
For two years running in this time period I have seen a lone Mockingbird on Scarsdale Rd (Leslie/York Mills).
Any others around?
-- 70.48.46.40
In Reply to: Not a Wild Turkey posted by Kin Lau on November 02, 2004 at 07:00:26:
so... where did you say it was? (sharpens knives)
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: Re: Wild Turkey posted by Garth N. Baker on November 02, 2004 at 04:49:26:
Thank you very much.
I did a quick google for "Bantam Chickens" and did come up with a few that looked very similar. I think this bird's going to be dinner for someone or something real soon.
-- 69.197.100.77
In Reply to: Re: Wild Turkey posted by Kin Lau on November 01, 2004 at 12:58:51:
HI Kin;
This is not a Wild Turkey at all,but appears to be some breed of Chicken.Perhaps of the Bantam Race,it is a Hen for sure!
Cheer's Garth/Innisfil
-- 207.164.224.2
In Reply to: Wild Turkey posted by Kin Lau on November 01, 2004 at 12:53:06:
Trying again for a picture.
-- 207.164.224.2
In Reply to: Wild Turkey posted by Kin Lau on November 01, 2004 at 12:53:06:
Here's a picture of it.
-- 207.164.224.2
There's a wild turkey chick at the "turnabout" on Old Finch Road, right next to the Toronto Zoo (Go north on Meadowvale, and then West on Old Finch, until you hit the lights before the bridge and the turnabout is on the left). It's currently hiding in the fenced in area in the turnabout.
For a "chick", it's also rather big, about the size of full-grown chicken.
It's obviously been separated from it's parents and can be heard making some "crying" sounds. Anyone know what to do?
-- 207.164.224.2
In Reply to: Buffleheads posted by George Daszkowski on October 31, 2004 at 05:16:53:
We saw a couple of buffleheads Oct 11 of the Thanksgiving weekend in Tommy Thompson park.
-- 216.192.82.6
While the threat of thunderstorms was not realized until later in the afternoon, the morning fog presented birding challenges of it’s own. Nevertheless, ten birders got together to hone their “birding by ear” skills on the bird feeder trail at Lynde Shores C.A. The sparrow numbers were low at this site no doubt in part due to the absence of seed in the feeders and on the ground. We found many of the usual late Oct. bird suspects in these woods but the best find was a roosting gray phase Eastern Screech Owl in a cedar while we were looking for Saw-whet Owls. While we never did find any of the latter species, we did find a Long-eared Owl and a larger owl (likely a Great Horned Owl) before we left this part of the property.
Rough-legged Hawks (at least four) were also in the area and we had good close-up views of a few individuals along Hall’s Road and the trails leading south to the marsh. Other raptors seen here included Cooper’s Hawk, Northern Harrier, and Red-tailed Hawk. We spent a few minutes with the congenial folks at the south platform hawkwatch where we spotted several American Tree Sparrows foraging with the White-throated and Song Sparrows on the trail. We did not wait long enough to get a Fox Sparrow but did get Golden-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Goldfinch, Northern Flicker, Red-winged Blackbird, Greater Yellowlegs, Great Blue Heron, and Hooded Merganser before leaving Cranberry Marsh.
After a quick break we moved on to Thickson’s Woods where we figured we would try and find a few more owl species. The resident Great Horned Owl was very active on this gloomy, overcast morning and we figured that the only chance of getting the Barred Owl seen a few days earlier would be to find a pile of gray feathers somewhere on the forest floor. We decided to check the field for Saw-whets instead hoping that the Barred Owl had moved on before being discovered by its larger relative. We found fresh white-wash in a few pines but no Saw-whets, although we did see the Great Horned fly over the field into the large (still leafy) oaks on the NE side of the property. Other birds seen in the area included Gadwall, Common Merganser, Mallard, Northern Cardinal, Great Blue Heron, and Canada (no Cackling) Geese. We discussed plans for birding in November keeping in mind that this may be the winter when some of the more northerly owl species move south in larger numbers in accordance with their characteristic population cycles.
____________________________________________________________
Brete Griffin - breteg@yahoo.ca
Peel Birding Class - peelbirding@yahoo.ca
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/ and
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
-- 69.194.192.71
Friday afternoon I was looking toward Lake Ontario, my back yard, and saw a flight of about 2 dozen buffleheads settle into the water.
October 29, 13 days later than my first sighting last year.
A colder winter? We shall see.
-- 24.235.203.173
I spotted what appears to be a male hermit thrush below our backyard feeder today. The weather here is wet and windy possibly bringing in this bird for some shelter.I have not seen this bird here before so I guess it may be migrating?
-- 64.228.47.33
In Reply to: Re: White Bird RFI posted by Karl Groos on October 29, 2004 at 13:06:29:
Karl, you could send the pics to the Ontario Field Ornithologists for display on their website. Check out
http://www.ofo.ca/photos/. Good luck. Al
-- 216.254.167.166
In Reply to: Re: White Bird RFI posted by Al Johnston on October 29, 2004 at 11:02:40:
Hi Al, I took two pictures with a 280 mm lens from about 40 feet through the window in the evening. If the pictures turn out I can make them available.
Karl
-- 64.228.47.62
In Reply to: White Bird RFI posted by Karl Groos on October 28, 2004 at 08:44:47:
Hi Karl, very interesting sighting. It's not a true albino but what is known as a leucistic phase. Can you get a picture of it? Al
-- 65.94.109.145
In Reply to: small bird posted by Vicky on October 26, 2004 at 07:44:23:
i think it might be a junco.
does anyone else agree?
-- 65.94.109.145
In Reply to: White Bird RFI posted by Karl Groos on October 28, 2004 at 08:44:47:
yes.
-- 216.254.162.248
Hi, We are located on Hwy 93 between Waverly and Wyebridge, about 30 min north of Barrie ON. On the 12th of October we noticed a white bird at our bird feeder. It is the approximate size of, and has markings just like a chickadee. The familiar black top and throat areas are only gray and the rest of the bird is just a bit off white. The flight pattern is also like that of a chickadee. Well it seems to be a completely white chickadee,i.e. albino. Is this a known occurrance?
Karl Groos
-- 64.231.223.24
I recently discovered a large portion of the Birder's Handbook on line at http://www.stanfordalumni.org/birdsite/
For those who don't know the book, it contains accounts for most North American birds detailing a lot of the infomation you won't find in field guides: breeding, nesting, feeding, etc. It also has a large collection of essays covering a wide range of bird behavior and conservation topics. The Stanford site only contains species accounts for the 175 species found in or around Stanford (in California), but it appears to have a large number, if not all, of the essays from the book.
BB
-- 24.100.93.29
In Reply to: Re: Bird Hotline posted by Brian Bailey on October 26, 2004 at 16:49:53:
Hi Robin,
Go to the menu bar at the top of this site an click on "OFO" Once at their site, go to the menu and click on "news". At the bottom of that page are a few birding hotlines.
-- 64.231.223.24
In Reply to: Bird Hotline posted by Robin M. on October 26, 2004 at 10:45:36:
The TOC (Toronto Ornithological Club) hotline is on Star Phone, 416-350-3000, category 2293.
-- 24.100.93.29
In Reply to: small bird posted by Vicky on October 26, 2004 at 07:44:23:
Vicky,
Depending on how 'old' your field guide is, you should be able to find this bird under Slate-colored Junco (old book), or, Dark-eyed Junco (new book).
-- 64.229.5.95
In Reply to: small bird posted by Vicky on October 26, 2004 at 07:44:23:
It is probably a Dark-eyed Junco
-- 64.229.197.36
In Reply to: small bird posted by Vicky on October 26, 2004 at 07:44:23:
Sounds like a Junco
-- 216.254.141.88
Is there a bird hotline that anyone knows about in ontario or the GTA
-- 66.185.85.75
I have had a small black bird at our feeder for a few days now. It has a black back, white breast and a white beak. It tail has perfect black and white stripes that looks like a fan when it flys. I cannot find it my book. I am just a backyard bird lover, so if anyone can tell me what it is, that would be great.
-- 65.92.174.150
In Reply to: RFI posted by sherry on October 25, 2004 at 12:51:31:
It sounds like you may have a Winter Wren. If it is still alive, you could try insects and spiders, but I expect they will be hard to find at this time of year.
I don't know much about bird rehabilitation, but I suspect its chances aren't too good unless it was just dazed from hitting a window. If that was the case, you have probably already released it by now.
BB
-- 24.156.33.219
In Reply to: Re: Cardinal flying into window posted by Derek Lyon on October 25, 2004 at 14:44:36:
Thank you for your responses. I will put a screen up and hopefully that will solve this problem of the cardinal attacking its reflection.
Doreen
-- 149.99.115.100
In Reply to: Cardinal flying into window posted by Doreen London on October 25, 2004 at 11:35:05:
Hi Doreen,
Sorry to say, but this is pretty common. If you told me that a bird was flying into your window -- I would have said, "Was it a male cardinal?" All male birds can do it in the spring (especially robins), they see a reflection in the glass that looks like a rival for the territory. Cardinals are very territorial and do the same thing all year. The only thing that really works (if possible) is to prevent the glass reflecting the outside. Installing some kind of screening on the OUTSIDE of the glass that covers the whole window or an outside curtain might help.
Hope this helps, DL
-- 66.185.84.75
In Reply to: Cardinal flying into window posted by Doreen London on October 25, 2004 at 11:35:05:
It's common, and Northern Cardinals are famous for it. It is attacking it's own reflection as a territorial behaviour. Is there any way of breaking up the reflection ON THE OUTSIDE of the window?
David
-- 216.209.250.170
My son brought a small brown bird into me that was just sitting on the ground. it has a long thin beak like a humming bird and no tail feathers and fairly long legs for the small size of it's body. it's about the size of a small egg you could buy at the grocery store. if anybody can help me identify it and give me an idea what to feed it, I'd greatly appreciate it, thanks in advance
-- 24.156.33.219
I don't know whom to ask, so I am posting to this group - maybe someone has some insight to this problem. I have a large walkout window from my living room onto my deck and a cardinal (male) keeps flying into it, intentionally, and has been doing this now for over a week, from sun rise to sunset. I pasted things on the window, did not help. I moved my indoor plants, no change. I moved the chair it perches on, so now it uses the railing or flies from the tree branch. I put outdoor planter figures that stand about 3 feet tall in front of the windows... so it perched on them before taking off for the window. It does not seem to be hurt by this, but it can't be normal. Does anyone have advice for me?
I was wondering if it is seeing something in my living room, last year a robin did the same thing, but it was "attacking" from a lawn chair, as soon as I moved the chair, it left. This cardinal is much more persistant.
Is this common behaviour???
Thanks.
Doreen London
-- 69.158.7.95
In Reply to: Scopes posted by Marck on October 24, 2004 at 09:31:55:
I went to Efston Science on Dufferin across from Yorkdale mall. I found a good selection and that the salesman seemed to know what he was talking about. After trying out several I found one that worked for me and didn't totally break the bank account.
-- 65.50.52.114
I followed the debate on Spotting Scopes which started at the beginning of October with great interest. However, where can I go in Toronto in order to buy one and receive additional information. Thanks.
-- 216.192.71.4
Seven eager birders met early this morning to bird the Hamilton/Burlington area. Our first destination was the South Shore Trail where the large willows, shrubbery, and reedy areas were alive with a variety of birds. Numerous sparrows were found, mostly White-throated and Song, while walking the trail towards the bridge. We also had very good views of Winter Wren, the first of several seen today, and many Ruby-crowned Kinglets were seen foraging actively in the willows canopy. As we continued along, steady streams of D.C. Cormorants, Canada Geese, and various waterfowl species were seen and heard flying overhead. We could even hear the dull roar of the wingbeats of several flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds as they passed low overhead as well.
A large flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers was encountered as we progressed further on the trail until we reached a large muddy area. We also heard Eastern Bluebird, Belted Kingfisher, White-breasted Nuthatch, Wood Duck and Red-bellied Woodpecker while here. At the muddy area where only a little bit of standing water remained, a small flock of shorebirds flew in. Seven of them were Pectoral Sandpipers and the other two were either Baird’s or White-rumped Sandpipers, the final distinction was not possible without a scope. On the way back to the cars we heard a Carolina Wren singing and saw an Am. Robin defending a berry laden shrub from the extended effort of a Swainson’s Thrush to feed there. Before leaving we heard Pileated and Hairy Woodpeckers and also saw several Downy Woodpeckers working the trees in the area. Other birds seen while here included Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing, Cooper’s Hawk, American Goldfinch and at least one Pine Siskin.
From here we headed to the Tollgate Ponds where we found Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Scaup, Northern Shoveler, Black Duck, Mallard, Bufflehead, and Canada Geese. The surprise find when we stopped at the Tollgate mudflats was a lone Snow Bunting in winter plumage. It then flew from the rocks up to the road and landed right in front of us for even better viewing. We next spotted about a dozen Dunlin feeding in the corner of the muddy area with a Baird’s Sandpiper feeding among them. At the Pier 25 pond nearby we found six more Dunlin, a Greater Yellowlegs, and a fly-over Kestrel.
We next traveled to the Grimsby sewage lagoons where the overgrown fields and grassy areas were full of sparrows (mostly White-crowned, White-throated, Song, and Dark-eyed Juncos) as we hiked in. We also saw Northern Mockingbird, House Finch, Blue Jay and American Robin in the treeline along the way. The northernmost lagoon cell had about 100-110 Dunlin, a few Killdeer and Yellowlegs, and a single Least Sandpiper. We then spotted a medium sized bird perched high in a dead tree (thanks Bill!) at a distance near the rifle range. We thought it might be a shrike but the color was not exactly right (brownish gray) and we could not see a clearly defined mask at that distance. But when it flew it went straight down before leveling off above the shrubbery just as a shrike would and it also showed white terminal patches on the tail. We moved closer to get a better look and saw it briefly chase an Eastern Phoebe before perching on top of a shrub. From here could see a faint mask and enough of the bill to be able to identify it as a juvenile plumaged Northern Shrike.
A Red-tailed hawk and Northern Harrier were seen on the drive to Van Wagner’s beach where we only stayed long enough to make sure there were no Kittiwakes sitting on the shoreline! We did get a tip about a Brant sighting back at the Tollgate Ponds (thanks Norm!) so we headed there and after a few minutes of searching spotted four Brant near the CCIW complex in the water under the Skyline bridge. Soon thereafter we spotted a Peregrine Falcon come in to land on the same tower of the lift bridge that we had seen a pair earlier this past spring. It was pointed out that if we had not been “waiting” for the bridge to lower we would not have seen this bird. I added that it might be a good location for a future Big Sit event, acknowledging that if you sit in one place long enough, birds (at least a few) will come! We called it a day around 130pm after discussing plans for next weekend.
____________________________________________________________
Brete Griffin - breteg@yahoo.ca
Peel Birding Class - peelbirding@yahoo.ca
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/ and
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
-- 209.240.205.61
I watched the CH News from Hamilton (channel 11) at 6 pm.
The top news item was the discovery of many long tailed ducks that had been found dead along the Hamilton beach strip, near Confederation Park.
This was a puzzling discovery since they do not know the cause of the deaths of so many long tailed ducks. There was no mention of any other waterfowl being affected.
I understand that the long tailed ducks are migrating at this time of year and, they usually are found in the Toronto area.
They have taken some of the ducks to the Univ. of Guelph to determine the cause of death.
There are many waterfowl at the western end of Lake Ontario, where I reside. It is also connected to the Hamilton and Burlington bays where we are expecting trumpeter swans to arrive within the next month or so.
There are over 100 trumpeter swans that spend the winter in this area.
My concern is not for just the long tailed ducks and trumpeter swans but, for all the waterfowl.
There will be an update about this situation at 11 pm on CH news.
Has anyone heard of this occuring? I am curious to find out why these ducks have died. :(
Chris
-- 66.203.174.11
I was wondering if this year is different from previous years in regard to possible botulism. I have heard about the dead and dying shore birds at Presqu'ile provincial park, and today i noticed 20-30 dead/dying oldsquaws at van wagners beach in Burlington.
-- 142.177.97.101
Google listed you re May story Raptors. Was that birds or sports? Contact me Wolfville under Alexander C. phone or Stacey.campbell@ns.sympaico.ca
-- 69.158.6.157
In Reply to: RFI: Little Blue Herons posted by Athena on September 28, 2004 at 12:58:21:
It is possible that you could see a Little Blue Heron, although we are a little north of their ussual range we have seen them in Clairville Conservation Area in Brampton several times over the years and had them there this summer, never rule out any bird until you can be sure of its identification.
-- 209.161.242.11
In Reply to: Re: Any upcoming bird walks in the GTA? posted by Brian Bailey on October 14, 2004 at 18:26:33:
Monday to Friday, my life revolves around creepers and peckers, missing migration is the last thing I've done these last few weeks, just missed them in nature... thanks for the information.
-- 64.228.100.163
In Reply to: birdhouses/feeders posted by Trish on October 13, 2004 at 10:08:06:
you could try a place in Caledon Ont. It's not long distance from Toronto. The people would give you all the information you needed and steer you in the right direction. The place is called Caledon Mountain Wildlife Supplies and the area code is 519-927-3212 but not long distance.
-- 70.80.116.143
In Reply to: Re: White throated sparrows posted by Charles Caty on October 14, 2004 at 07:34:42:
They make an appearance in the heart of downtown every spring and fall, but it does take some careful observation to notice them - it's all to easy to assume that all sparrows downtown are House Sparrows! A few years ago, a couple of White-throats even overwintered in the shrubs at College Park, and if I remember correctly, a White-crowned did the same not too long ago at City Hall.
-- 70.80.116.143
In Reply to: Re: Any upcoming bird walks in the GTA? posted by Brian Bailey on October 14, 2004 at 18:26:33:
As Brian noted, a good chunk of fall migration is already behind us, but it's never too late to find some birds.
The Toronto Ornithological Club offers a series of Baillie Memorial Walks throughout the fall, winter, and spring, all of which are free and open to the public. The next one will be on Saturday December 11, focusing on waterfowl along the western lakeshore. The full list of upcoming outings is always available on the TOC website (link below); the next update for January - May will be posted in a month or so once dates and leaders have been finalized.
-- 64.231.216.129
In Reply to: Any upcoming bird walks in the GTA? posted by Merrilea Shields on October 14, 2004 at 08:43:51:
I think you have missed most of the fall migration, but I have info on three walks during migration and beyond.
CCFEW (Citizens Concerned About the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront) organizes a series of bird walks along (where else?) the Etobicoke waterfront. The next ones are:
Saturday, October 23, at Colonel Sam Smith Park
Saturday, November 6th, at Humber Bay East Park
Saturday, December 4th, at Humber Bay East Park
All the walks are from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. rain or shine. These are free events and anyone who is interested is welcome.
At Col Sam, meet in the south parking lot. At Humber Bay, meet at the east end of the main parking lot at Humber Bay Park East.
-- 69.194.45.184
In Reply to: Re: toronto- injured bird posted by Al Johnston on October 13, 2004 at 09:16:19:
they told me it was a brown sparrow..he didnt make it though..:(
-- 69.198.31.205
In Reply to: Le Conte's Sparrow posted by Brendan O'Sullivan on October 04, 2004 at 12:28:00:
Hi Brendan, I don't know if you are aware of this, but another place to find Le Conte's Sparrows would be the area around Noelville (SE of Sudbury) during the breeding season. Several singing males have been recorded around there for the Atlas in the past two years. They are not common, but a weekend in early June, searching appropriate habitat along the area's backroads, might let you find them. The habitat that I've seen them in is uncut hayfields, with mixed grass and weeds. They're easier to find and (sometimes) to see than in the fall, since they're singing.
This area has some interesting potential (Brewer's Blackbird is also in the area) but seems to be underbirded, based on the atlas results. If your Algonquin trip didn't work out, it might be worth pursuing.
Joel Kits
-- 209.205.38.35
Looking to dust off my binos... anyone know of any fall migration walks happening?
-- 69.158.113.241
In Reply to: Re: White throated sparrows posted by Kin Lau on October 12, 2004 at 11:35:52:
I was amazed to see some white-throated sparrows in the TD centre courtyard in downtown Toronto last week. They seemed to be foraging under some evergreen shrubs and I only noticed them because I heard the scratching sounds they make with their feet.
-- 216.192.88.4
In Reply to: birdhouses/feeders posted by Trish on October 13, 2004 at 10:08:06:
You might try the following locations(the 3rd option is also good but a bit out of the way for you):
1)http://www.birdwatchcanada.com/
2)http://stores.wbu.com/toronto/
3)http://www.canoe-country.com/
Good luck! Brete
______________________________________________________
The Peel Birding Class: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/
-- 199.246.61.1
I'm putting up some of these on a country property. Can anyone recommend a retailer where I would get responsible advice, bird-friendly stuff (ie, not just useless decorative things) and decent prices in the Toronto area?
Thanks for your help.
-- 64.228.53.127
In Reply to: Re: toronto- injured bird posted by Aaron Noel on October 12, 2004 at 12:30:23:
Thanks for the update. Hopefully it'll be OK. You did the best you could. Do you have any idea what species it was? Al
-- 65.95.156.150
Good day all
Yesterday Monday, Oct. 11/04 I went down to the Leslie St. Spit (Tommy Thompson Park)and the following are some of the hi-lites. The day started off with 2 E. Bluebirds and 9 species of Sparrows on the base. I continued on out on the spit and added a Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow for a day total of 10 Sparrow species.
Other hi-lites for the day were one 2nd year Bald Eagle low overhead, 2 A.Coots, 1 N. Saw-whet Owl, 15 E. Phoebes, 54 Hermit Thrush, 61 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 40 Golden-crowned Kinglets, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, 55 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 3 E. Towhees, 4 Fox Sparrows and 4 Plover Species.
All in all a good day with 54 species seen.
- The Sparrows were - Fox, Song, Swamp, White-crowned, White-throated, D-E Junco, Savannah, N. Sharp-tailed, Field And E. Towhee and the Plovers were A. Golden, Black-bellied, Killdeer, and Semipalmated Plovers.
If you find you want a sparrow fix then the base of the spit can be accessed 7 days a week and the Toronto Islands are another good place for Sparrows including Sharp-tailed and also a good place for Orange-crowned Warblers and Saw-whet Owls.
DIRECTIONS:- LESLIE STREET SPIT (TOMMY THOMPSON PARK) IN TORONTO
To get to "The Spit" from Queen & Yonge Streets. Take the Queen Street Car#501 east to Leslie Street and walk south (about 2 km) or as far as you can go on Leslie Street to Unwin Avenue and you will see the gate and signage. By automobile you may drive to Lakeshore Blvd and Leslie Street.
If before 9 am you can park either on Leslie Street or Unwin Avenue, after 9am the parking lot inside the gate is open, be sure to note the closing time as your car will be locked in at that time.
NOTE:- The spit is only open on the weekends and on holidays, at other times you will not be able to access the area. This area is extensive, 7 km to the tip, but be prepared to walk more than that. There is a van available after 9 am from Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving Day weekend that will take you out or back. The "SPIT" is only open on the weekend as they are still building it.
If you find you want a sparrow fix then the base of the spit can be accessed 7 days a week and the Toronto Islands are another good place for Sparrows including Sharp-tailed and also a good place for Orange-crowned Warblers and Saw-whet Owls.
Norm
-- 69.194.45.184
In Reply to: Re: toronto- injured bird posted by Al Johnston on October 11, 2004 at 12:35:33:
thanks...i took him to the toronto humane society wildlife wing...they
said that they'll see what they can do...
-- 207.164.224.2
In Reply to: White throated sparrows posted by Anne in Stouffville on October 11, 2004 at 09:03:08:
I've seen many white-throats & white-crowns at the Cranberry Marsh in Whitby over the last few weeks. You can usually see them right on the pathway next to the hawk watch platform, and are only about 10-20 feet away.
They were also at Tommy Thompson Park... check out the OFO report by Norm Murr on Oct 11.
-- 64.228.53.154
In Reply to: toronto- injured bird posted by Aaron Noel on October 11, 2004 at 10:04:40:
If it is just stunned, chances are it flew into a window and will recover. Place it in a showbox lined with kleenex and keep in a warm place for a while. Al
-- 69.194.45.184
help! i found a little bird and i have no idea what to do! it seems like he was hit or flew into something...he is still alive but i don't know where to take him..i'll take him anywhere..
-- 65.48.232.219
The white-throated sparrows (with tan stripes) have returned to our feeders. Has anyone else seen them or the white-crowned?
-- 64.231.225.248
In Reply to: Spotting Scope advice posted by Iain Fleming on October 06, 2004 at 08:47:18:
I think you have some useful advice already, but here's my two cents worth:
If you are buying your first scope, don't break the bank. I've been using a Celestron with a 25X eyepiece for about 15 years. That model has been discontinued for years, but the closest thing to it today is probably a Bushnel Spacemaster. Neither my Celestron nor the Bushnel are the ultimate in optical precision, but they do a pretty decent job. I find the 25X a good compromise between power and field of view. A zoom eyepiece would be handy, but you will probably have to trade some optical clarity for the convenience unless you are buying top quality gear.
I have two basic reasons for saying "don't break the bank". First, if you don't already have a scope, you probably don't know what things you will want it for the most until you have used it. Different uses can lead to different priorities. Second, once you have used a scope for a while, you will realize there are many situations where all the optical quality money can buy won't make a difference. There can be a lot of optical distortion over water or mudflats on a sunny day. Sometimes those birds will be wiggly blobs no matter what you are looking through.
Most birders will use their binoculars far more than their scope. If I had to choose between owning Swarovski binoculars or a Swarovski scope, I'd choose the binoculars!
Finally, spend the money for a good tripod and head. I have a large Manfrotto tripod which I like because it is sturdy, relatively light, and quick to setup. More important though is the head. It's tempting to skimp here, but don't. Manfrotto makes an excellent video head. It's heavy and expensive, but a joy to use.
BB
-- 66.185.84.75
In Reply to: Re: Spotting Scope advice posted by Iain Fleming on October 07, 2004 at 11:56:14:
For most situations, in my opinion, it will be fine. I used a 20X for about 10 years, and just got a 30X eyepiece. A VERY few times, I wished I had more magnification.
David
-- 66.185.84.75
Do you ever check out this board? I assume there would be some interest. It is very inactive, and I'm just trying to "boost the ratings".
Check it out -
http://www.zoo.utoronto.ca/FUN/wildlife.htm
David
-- 24.226.89.81
In Reply to: Re: Spotting Scope advice posted by Derek Lyon on October 06, 2004 at 10:40:46:
It seems as though the prices of scopes jump way up with increasing magnification. Is a 15-45x scope too little magnification for viewing shorebirds and distant perched birds, or will it be enough?
Iain
-- 209.151.130.16
In Reply to: Re: Spotting Scope advice posted by Iain Fleming on October 06, 2004 at 10:03:22:
Hi Iain, I know about several makers of spotting scopes, but I've never heard of SAKAR (is that a model or manufacturer?). The scopes I know are made by the following: Nikon Pentax Bushnell Swarovski Leica Kowa
For some good ideas there's a website Better View Desired, click on the link below to go there.
-- 24.226.89.81
In Reply to: Re: Spotting Scope advice posted by Craig McLauchlan on October 06, 2004 at 09:59:41:
Thanks for the input Craig. I've located a SAKAR 20-60x60 for a fairly good price. Do you (or anyone else reading this) know if they have a good reputation?
Iain
-- 64.228.116.133
In Reply to: Spotting Scope advice posted by Iain Fleming on October 06, 2004 at 08:47:18:
Hi Iain it of cores depends on what you plan to do with it?? Gulls at Niagara, hawks at High park ( especially for the Golden Eagles going through right now ) or shore birding all wood need a 20 to 60 zoom lenses
I have the Kowa TSN-822 with a 20 to 60 zoom it gives you lots of light coming in throw the 82 aperture and has stood up to some heavy duded birding over the last 4 years
Also look for a vary good tripod!!!! This is important and if you do go for high power you need good legs to stand it on!!!!
Look up pelee wings on the internet they have good prices
But also if you can still find the bushmaster (I cant remember ho mead them ) spotting scope wow are they ever a good cheep starter scope
Craig
-- 24.226.89.81
Hi, I'm considering purchasing a spotting scope but I am unsure as to how much magnification is really needed. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Iain.
-- 24.153.12.150
For the past few years Le Conte's Sparrows have been found in the long grass at the Old Airport near the Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park sometime between Sep. 24th and Oct.9th. As I still need this attractive and elusive sparrow for my life list I am wondering if there is anybody out there who would be interested in travelling to Algonquin either tomorrow (Tuesday) or Friday in pursuit of this bird -- I have to work Wed. and Thurs. If so please e-mail me to make arrangements--I live in Mississauga and would want to leave very early. Of course there is no guarantee of finding the bird but Algonquin at this time of year is worth seeing anyway.
Regards, Brendan O'Sullivan Mississauga.
-- 64.228.116.140
Their wear not to many birds to be found out on the spit this weekend , Saturday be for the rain I was happy to find a Long E Owl , 48 Mute swans , 1 Merlin ,17 W T Sparrows and 4 W C Sparrows , and 6 shorebird speeches
And to day will looking for a rear plant I flush up a Sharp Tailed Sparrow this is only the second I have seen in the park the first being 10 years a go ( Oct 29 1994 )
Also seen to day 1 sharp shin hawk, 47 mute swans and 5 shorebird, speeches
Tommy Thompson park Is found a the foot of Leslie st south of the lake shower boulevard and is only open on weekends and holidays.
Craig
-- 64.228.116.161
In Reply to: Re: Re:Lynde Shores ?? posted by Kabir Joshi-Vijayan on September 29, 2004 at 16:03:33:
for info on whats going by at Cranberry Marsh try the web site below , click on Regional/Specialty then Canada and Ont. this brings up Ontbirds and ther are daly up dates http://birdingonthe.net/
Craig
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: Re: Re:Lynde Shores ?? posted by Kabir Joshi-Vijayan on September 29, 2004 at 16:03:33:
The Cranberry Marsh is south of Lynde Shores. You can get to it via Hall Road ( a dirt road off Victoria) just a little west of the Lynde Shores parking lot. Keep going south for about 1/2 km and park at the 2nd parking area. On a good day, there should be about 6 or 7 cars. They start the watch at about 9am, and quit when there's nothing left to count, which can be by noon if there's no wind or it's not from the north.
The best days are light clouds and a north wind.
Click on the "Ontbirds" link on this page and you should see the daily report as well as other info.
-- 205.188.116.202
In Reply to: Re: Lynde Shores ?? posted by Kin Lau on September 29, 2004 at 11:32:15:
Kin Lau made a reference to a Raptor Watch everday until Nov. at Cranberry Marsh. I would love some more information about this, that is, location in the marsh and best times to come out.
Thanks,
Kabir
-- 207.164.224.2
In Reply to: Lynde Shores ?? posted by Mark on September 29, 2004 at 06:16:01:
Juvenile Bald Eagle? They don't have the distinctive white head till after the 2nd year.
Lynde Shores is just north of the Cranberry Marsh where the Raptor Watch takes place everyday till Nov.
Check out http://www.ofo.ca/photos/baeakn.jpg for a picture of a juv bald eagle on the OFO site (not my pic).
-- 206.47.0.171
In Reply to: Lynde Shores ?? posted by Mark on September 29, 2004 at 06:16:01:
I'm not sure of how good your view was but there are Double Crested Cormorants nesting in trees in that area
-- 38.112.106.15
In Reply to: Re: Lynde Shores ?? posted by Al Johnston on September 29, 2004 at 09:52:15:
The bird I saw was huge.
-- 64.228.47.2
In Reply to: Lynde Shores ?? posted by Mark on September 29, 2004 at 06:16:01:
Hi Mark,
An immature TV has a dark head so that's probably what you saw. Al
-- 38.112.106.15
I recently spotted a HUGE bird way up in a tree on the east side of Lynde shores. I assumed it was a turkey vulture was when I got close enough to have a good look it had a white and brownish chest with a black head. I though Turkey vulture all had a Red head.. What did I see??
Thanks
-- 205.188.116.202
In Reply to: Re: Northern Saw-whet Owls posted by Peter on September 28, 2004 at 12:20:47:
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your comments, hopefully I'll be able to check soon, to make sure.
Susan
-- 205.188.116.202
In Reply to: Re: Northern Saw-whet Owls posted by Norm Murr on September 27, 2004 at 17:49:06:
I don't think they were here during the summer. Did see them close to the end of April and at the end of August.
Susan
-- 65.93.222.43
In Reply to: Re: Northern Saw-whet Owls posted by Peter on September 28, 2004 at 12:20:47:
Good point Peter.
Screech Owls are back in.
Still would like to see photo.
Norm
-- 206.47.0.171
In Reply to: RFI: Little Blue Herons posted by Athena on September 28, 2004 at 12:58:21:
They were most likely Green Herons, which are much smaller that Great Blue Herons but have a dark plummage
-- 64.72.236.164
Saw three small herons with dark plummage in the water at G. Lord Ross Park today. They stood around 20 inches tall.
Could they be Little Blue Herons or are we too far north of their range?
-- 129.97.42.48
In Reply to: Re: Northern Saw-whet Owls posted by Norm Murr on September 27, 2004 at 17:49:06:
Certainly sounds like Saw-whet Owl, especially the easy-to-approach part, but beware sightings of really young (or perhaps just moulting?) Screech-owls, which can have tufts that are all but non-existent - I've seen one that had only one feather making up each "ear". Mind you, the body plumage, especially on the breast, was very obviously different from the Saw-whet. Peter coo, Kitchener
-- 216.209.153.59
In Reply to: Re: Northern Saw-whet Owls posted by Susan on September 27, 2004 at 15:17:09:
Susan
I don't know what to tell you. Sounds like but would like to see a photo if possible. The lack of ear tufts rules out the Screech Owl.
Are these Owls being seen continuously or only from Sept. to March ??
Norm
-- 205.188.116.202
In Reply to: Re: Northern Saw-whet Owls posted by Norm Murr on September 27, 2004 at 13:13:40:
Hi Norm,
I'm definitely not an expert, but these owls don't have tufts, are very small and fairly easy to approach.
Susan
-- 65.93.222.43
In Reply to: Northern Saw-whet Owls posted by Susan B. on September 27, 2004 at 10:48:14:
Susan
If you have been enjoying a N. Saw-whet Owl in Toronto over the past year and a half then most likely (but not necessarily)it is an Eastern Screech-Owl.
Norm
-- 205.188.116.202
Do we have many Northern Saw-whet owls in Toronto? I've been enjoying some near Yonge & Sheppard over the past year and a half.
-- 206.47.0.171
In Reply to: Re: High Park hawk watchs other birds posted by Ron on September 26, 2004 at 07:02:42:
Just north of the restaurant there is a little hill, and most likely a group of people.any type on binoculars will do. Today will probably be a good day to go.
-- 67.68.242.121
In Reply to: High Park hawk watchs other birds posted by Craig McLauchlan on September 25, 2004 at 14:01:30:
Wow, eagles huh?
Where is the viewing area in High Park? I'd love to check it out... Does one require high-powered binaculars?
Thanks,
r
-- 64.228.116.101
Their wear some good birding to be had at the High Park hawk watch and tomorrow looks just as good( I thought I wood only be their for 1 hour -5 hours later I got home).
All though I will live the # of birds to the “official HPHW” post their wear some interesting birds worth posting over.
Like Blue Jays 478 in 5 hours, Bald eagle and Golden eagle! C Loon 18 also we had a Red-Tailed hawk land and hunt in the trees around the hill with a red band ( no # could be seen all though we could focus right on the leg ) on its left leg if any one has any info on what that band means I wood love to no
Only 5 Monarchs in 5 hours bad year for them
Craig
Craig & Bev McLauchlan
Toronto, Ont, Canada, World
-- 216.26.113.34
In Reply to: Have hummers left? posted by Anne in Stouffville on September 13, 2004 at 10:37:54:
Just saw a female ruby-throat checking out the zinnias this morning at 9.00am in Burlington.
-- 64.228.102.71
In Reply to: Dagmar Borchert posted by Derrick Marven on September 20, 2004 at 18:10:59:
Thanks for sharing. It was no intrusion. Al
-- 24.68.133.17
Hi It is with great sadness that i announce the passing of Dagmar Borchert. Dagmar lived here on Vancouver Island for many years where she enjoyed all that the west coast had to offer. Before she moved to B.C. many of you would have visited Dagmar's house on Rosebank Road, Pickering to view many rare and unusual birds. Her feeders were some of the best in Ontario, bringing in birds from far and wide. She welcomed many into her house to see rare birds. Dagmar was a great supporter of wildlife and treated all animals equally. She has gone to join her good friends Edge Pegg and Murray Speirs, to bird in the heavens. Dagmar was my first friend and longest living friend since i came to Canada back in 1981 and i will miss her very much. For those who never met her, you missed meeting a great lady and wildlife supporter and a good friend to the birds. Sorry for the intrusion.
Derrick Marven
Vancouver Island
-- 216.192.86.14
A last minute change in plans to take advantage of the weather forecast turned out to be fortuitous for the seven PBC members in attendance on Sept. 18th. A few birders headed straight for Van Wagner's beach for an early stakeout while the others ventured to the South Shore trails at the RBG (Cootes Paradise). Before we had travelled very far on the S.S. trail we encountered a wave of warblers. Species seen here included Yellow-rumped, Wilson's, Nashville, Black-thr. Blue, and Palm Warblers. As we worked our way over the bridge and along the Willows trail we coincidentally followed the wave of birds. In addition to those previously mentioned species, we also identified Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Blackpoll, Pine, Magnolia, and Bay-breasted Warblers in this large flock of birds. Other birds associated with this flock were Warbling, Red-eyed, and Blue-headed Vireos, Brown Creeper, and White-breasted Nuthatch.
After arriving at our target location along the trail (large mudhole with many dead carp), we immediately spotted and counted about 18-20 Great Egrets around its fringes. A few shorebirds and Great Blue Herons were also present. The shorebirds included a Willet, Pectoral Sandpiper, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, and Killdeer foraging in the muddy water. On at least two occasions the shorebirds took flight en masse after being provoked by a low flying raptor (in this case a Cooper's Hawk). This provided an excellent opportunity to see the diagnostic plumage of the Willet in flight as it circled and then returned to the mudhole. The latter bird raised our shorebird species total to 23 for the year with at least 3 or 4 more species still theoretically possible at this point in the season. On our way back to the trailhead we picked up a few more birds including a singing Carolina Wren, a Northern Parula Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Wood Duck, Philadelphia Vireo, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, and Hairy Woodpecker.
After a quick stop we headed straight for Van Wagner's beach where we learned that both Long-tailed and Parasitic Jaegers had been seen that morning. We stayed long enough to spot a Parasitic Jaeger chasing a gull out by the yellow tower. Another bird (PAJA) not long thereafter flew close to the shore, chased a gull, and then landed in the water a few hundred meters offshore for extended viewing through our spotting scopes. We finished the day with 13 warbler species seen and added 4 new bird species to our 2004 year list total. We discussed plans for birding the next two weekends and then headed home after having thoroughly enjoyed a glorious fall day. Brete
___________________________________________________________
Brete Griffin - breteg@yahoo.ca
Peel Birding Class - peelbirding@yahoo.ca
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/ and
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
-- 64.229.67.86
At 10:30 this morning I observed an adult Red-headed Woodpecker in the trees between Alpha Avenue and the south border of the St. James Cemetery. It was calling and did not seem to be in a hurry to leave the area.
Alpha Avenue is in Cabbagetown (downtown Toronto) and is located just north of Wellesley street east and Sackville. St James Cemetery can be accessed from Parliament, just north of Wellesley and south of Bloor.
Max Perren and Sarah Bauld
-- 64.228.100.59
In Reply to: SWALLOWS posted by james cobb on September 13, 2004 at 16:33:03:
Hi James, I'm not familiar with the River Police premises but if the swallows were inside the facilities, they were more than likely barn swallows. They're the ones with the deeply forked tails, as you probably know. Al
-- 129.97.20.46
In Reply to: Re: Have hummers left? posted by Al Johnston (also in Stouffville) on September 15, 2004 at 11:21:49:
Hi Anne; I second Al's comment about continuing to feed hummingbirds after breeding season, I've never heard any evidence that the availability of sugar water interferes with their migration instinct. Sometimes it's good to maintain the feeder into the fall, because occasionally an individual bird will get literally blown back North by a hurricane or will just wander into Ontario from the west, and they've been known to use feeders for a while before moving on. Sometimes these vagrants arrive as late as December!
Peter Coo, Kitchener, Ontario.
-- 64.228.53.96
In Reply to: Have hummers left? posted by Anne in Stouffville on September 13, 2004 at 10:37:54:
Hi Anne, I haven't seen a hummer for a week or so now. I don't think I'll brew up a new batch of syrup. BTW, I don't believe it would delay migration if you left hummer feeders out. They're going to head south no matter what we do.
-- 67.71.52.35
In Reply to: Have hummers left? posted by Anne in Stouffville on September 13, 2004 at 10:37:54:
I watched a lone humming feeding on numerous occasions at a cottage in South Baymouth Manitoulin Sept 8 - till I left Sept 12
Rob
-- 69.192.122.143
In Reply to: Snow Goose at Ashbridge's Bay? posted by Ken on August 30, 2004 at 08:43:43:
In response to Ken,Aug. 30th. I have also been intrieged by the large, white faced goose that has been hanging out with the Lakeshore flock of Canadas. This is the first summer I have seen this bird. It's predominantly white face, black back and white underside suggests a "barnacle". Peterson says of the barnacle goose " a casual or accidental visitor .....or aviary escapes." Anybody have an opinion? On a different matter, I was today biking along the Humber and spotted a large white heron with very yellow beak, sitting in a tree, preening. For me, could only have been a great egret, not a common siting around Toronto, I would think. Can anyone cofirm. The "locals" I talked to seemed to think it had been around for a while. Not my first great egret, but certainly my first in Toronto.
-- 62.252.128.18
When I was in Toronto in August I saw swallows flying in and out of the River Police premises on the waterfront.I could not identify them and wondered if anyone knows which species they were.
-- 207.61.36.101
A lonely female hummer did come back to our feeders in late July, and we did see her a few times a week until last Saturday. We usually take our feeders down after Labour Day to encourage migration south. I wonder if anyone can share the latest date at which they've seen a hummer in September, and when you typically take your feeders down.
I hate to think it will be another 8 months before we see another hummer...
-- 130.63.162.166
Last weekend I was walking in the early evening in the ravine between the Heath Street entrance of St. Clair West subway and Eglinton and noticed a strange buzzy noise very close to the path in a buckthorn.
I eventually saw a chickadee was sitting in the tree quite close - just below eye-level - but it was not making this odd insect-like noise.
I then noticed the that as the noise - a sort of fluttering of large insect wings hitting against a branch - sounded again, that the chickadee was holding a rather large something - a cicada! It proceeded to peck at the cicada, much to the insect's chagrin as it continued to struggle, and after a few seconds, flew off gripping the cicada.
I thought this was a pretty large prey for a chickadee to go after - I could imagine them eating smaller insects, but am curious as to whether its attempts on something so large would actually lead to any value for itself foodwise.
Anyone else witnessed chickadees taking on large insects?
-- 64.228.116.75
While working or way off Tommy Thompson park (aka Lesley st. spit) this after noon at 2:30 Bev and I watched a Juv. N Gannet flying along with the strong east winds , it was last seen flying south out along the east side of the spit .
Also seen today Peregrine falcon 1 , kestrel 3.Osprey 1 .
Tommy Thompson park is found at the end of Lesley st south of Lakeshore boulevard east hear in Toronto .
Craig & Bev McLauchlan
Toronto Ont Canada World
-- 69.194.113.67
This morning I saw an adult female Hooded Warbler just to the east of the Gibraltar Point lighthouse on Toronto Island. There was a small fallout of warblers (20 American Redstarts, 13 Magnolia Warblers, 1 male Canada Warbler, 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler, 1 Common Yellowthroat) in this immediate area, but the rest of Toronto Island was quite unproductive.
GC
-- 66.185.84.75
In Reply to: Re: RFI starling night roost posted by David Burns on August 18, 2004 at 05:26:11:
I agree with you David surrounding the use of poison, and it will not be used. There are local cats around already and they are not making any real difference.
I was just curious to learn if there are any simple methods to move the starlings along or prevent them from returning. Thanks David.
-- 69.195.32.58
In Reply to: Snow Goose at Ashbridge's Bay? posted by Ken on August 30, 2004 at 08:43:43:
From your description Ken, particularly that it is larger than the Canada Geese, the bird you saw is unfortunately not a Snow Goose but I believe it is likely a resident bird which is a mix -- I think I was told it was a mix of a Canada Goose and a domesticated goose. If it's the one I'm thinking of, it has been there for several years and I had the same question about it when I first saw it. It seems to stay all year long. Hope this answers your question
-- 216.94.63.3
Apparently there are unusual numbers of Baird's Sandpipers around. I had read the summary of the very poor conditions in the Arctic (posted on ONTBIRDS), and I've been reading about the Baird's migration pattern which normally includes non-stop flights. Perhaps high numbers are being forced to stop and feed. Are there banding operations weighing these birds and comparing the weights to norms for this time of year, to see if the birds are underweight?
-- 216.192.87.25
In Reply to: Re: High Park Nighthawks posted by Glenn Coady on August 29, 2004 at 14:45:25:
For anyone interested in a project that is continuing to monitor the migration of Common Nighthawks check out the following: "www.localnet.com/~risinger". It was apparently started in 1999 by volunteers in a dozen or so states, but who knows, they might be keen to get some good data from locations in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada. It might be worth a try! Brete
______________________________________________________
Brete Griffin - breteg@yahoo.ca
Peel Birding Class - peelbirding@yahoo.ca
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/ and
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
-- 216.191.155.130
This morning I saw a snow goose (I think, assuming "blue morph") at Ashbridge's Bay. It was with some Canada Geese, but was quite noticeably larger with a somewhat mottled colouring. Anyone else see it?
-- 64.228.116.4
In Reply to: Re: ring necked pheasant at Humber Arboretum posted by Marcel Gahbauer on August 30, 2004 at 06:04:58:
The last Ring-necked Pheasants I have seen on the Leslie Spit was July 30 2000, it was a lone hen and she was out near the Triangle pond.
A little to close to the Coyote den I wood think too survive.
Craig
-- 69.70.78.5
In Reply to: ring necked pheasant at Humber Arboretum posted by Steve G on August 29, 2004 at 18:41:37:
Actually, this appears to be the last stronghold of Ring-necked Pheasants in the city. We've had reports from that area on a few of the recent Christmas Bird Counts, and it's probably always the same few birds that are being seen. Other populations persisted on the Leslie Spit and in the east Don (Wigmore Park, perhaps other places) until maybe 5-10 years ago, but I don't think are present anymore.
-- 69.156.115.250
A ring-necked pheasant can be seen beside the Humber River trail as the trail passes through the Humber Arboretum. I saw it Saturday morning about 10:30 feeding on bread crumbs (not left by me!) on manhole covers. I have seen it (or others? on 2 other occasions as I bike along the trail. Best bet is early in the day before the crowds scare it into the woods.
Does anyone know the story of this bird? Was it released in this area? escaped? or is it a native?
A bit further up the river the Toronto River Conservation Authority has set up a bird habitat in a marshy meadow with viewing areas. So far I haven't had a chance to spend time looking but I wonder if anyone has seen anything of interest there?
The Humber Arboretum is a big place with lots of access points. The official address is:
205 Humber College Blvd.
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 5L7
but have a look at this web page for a map:
http://www.humberarboretum.on.ca/inform.htm
-- 199.243.108.115
In Reply to: High Park Nighthawks posted by B. Griffin on August 29, 2004 at 06:56:15:
Yesterday evening I counted 62 Common Nighthawks migrating past the Keele St & Bloor St. W. intersection in the last hour before sunset. They were moving rather effortlessly in the light rain that was still falling until dusk.
-- 216.192.71.3
At least three Common Nighthawks were seen in flight above the High Park Club just east of High Park yesterday at about 645pm. These birds may have been migrants passing through but were actively foraging while being observed.
____________________________________________________________
Brete Griffin - breteg@yahoo.ca
Peel Birding Class - peelbirding@yahoo.ca
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/ and
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin
-- 64.228.116.9
Their wear some good birds to be found out on the spit too day , Starting off with a Brant , 177 Morning Doves , 1 peregrine falcon , 2 kestrels,
As for shorebirds I was disappointed only finding 5 speeches in some of the best shore birding mud in the area?? And they wear Baird’s 1, Red Knot 1, Pectoral 4, Semipalmted Plover and Killdeer rounds it up it was still a nice hot day too be out their.
Tommy Thompson Park can be found at the south end of Leslies st south of lake shore blvd. hear in Toronto.
Craig
-- 149.99.113.117
We spotted the pelican from the north side of Cootes Paradise (RBG) about 12:30 pm today. We had just reached the cormorant viewing area (which looks directly towards Hickory Island). The bird was flying beautifully right in front of us - quite close. It then joined the numerous cormorants on the north side of the island and began preening. We watched him for a few hours. He was still there when we left about 3pm. Fabulous.
-- 66.203.188.115
On the Dundas side of Cootes Paradice I seen an American white pelican ( near rat island ) and also in trees near by were 2 tufted titmice. Also along the marsh trail were great
egrets
-- 216.192.89.131
In Reply to: Re: chimney swifts posted by Jerry Walsh on August 20, 2004 at 15:26:30:
On our way home from a trip down south we spent a night in Painted Post N.Y.(near Corning) on Aug. 21 and got the opportunity to witness a roost-flight of about 60-70 Chimney Swifts. These birds were circling about a large brick chimney near the parking lot of a local restaurant that we had just finished eating at around dusk on the Saturday evening. We stayed long enough to see some of them "dive in" from their circular flight path but our daughter got restless and we had to move on before they had all gone to roost.
For information about project SwiftWatch please visit http://fsweb.wm.edu/ccb/opportunities/swiftwatch/swiftwatch_chimney.htm
or read an excellent article, "A Room with a Flue" about swifts on the NWF website at: http://www.nwf.org/nationalwildlife/article.cfm?articleId=788&issueId=62
Other swift links are also provided at the end of the NWF article, enjoy! Brete
______________________________________________________
Brete Griffin - breteg@yahoo.ca
Peel Birding Class - peelbirding@yahoo.ca
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/ and
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
-- 65.95.109.183
There are no longer any active Red-necked Grebe nests in the Bronte Outer Harbour Marina. One young bird was beside the nest tire this morning. The bird is almost the same size as an adult but has a stiped face. There are two unhatched eggs on the tire that were not being incubated. The other nest, beside the picnic dock, is unoccupied.
-- 64.10.130.98
In Reply to: Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch posted by Jerry Walsh on August 20, 2004 at 17:22:34:
Cool stuff Jerry,I was at a park along the top of Scarborough Bluffs today and picked up 44 raptors. Highlites were 2Bald Eagles one at fantastic close range circling,2 Merlin one which went into hyperspeed and whizzed through,3 Peregrine Falcons and 24 Redtailed Hawks. I am looking forward to Semptember and High Park Raptor Watch. Good luck at Cranberry!
-- 65.123.118.253
Greetings,
Just wanted to let everyone know that the Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch in Whitby has begun our autumn 2004 season.
Hawks are just coming through now in a trickle [3 Osprey today...] but things generally pick up significantly in early September and good flights can occur until early November.
We have a counter and spotters at the site daily from about 9am or earlier until mid-afternoon or later depending on flight conditions and the weather.
Cranberry is a great place to improve your hawk identification skills and EVERYONE including novice and beginning birders is most welcome to join us. On a good day you might see 9 or more species of raptors and total birds well into the hundreds. Some are at 'cloud height' but we do get many lower fliers and some wonderful looks at these fascinating birds.
We also see a wide variety of other birds during our hawk watch, as well as butterflies, dragonflies and even a few mammals.
Hawk viewing at Cranberry Marsh is very weather dependent. For best flights a NORTHWEST WIND is ideal. North is good as well. Other winds -especially from the south, do not concentrate migrants along the Lake Ontario shoreline and thus we miss them at Cranberry Marsh.
To get to Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch from Toronto take HWY 401 East to Salem Road in Ajax. Go south on Salem to Bayly Street. Turn left [east] on to Bayly and continue past Lakeridge Road. Hall's Road is a small gravel road you will soon see on your right. Turn right on to Halls and proceed to the small parking area on the left that is about 75 meters from the end of the road. Park here and walk a couple of minutes east to the viewing platform overlooking Cranberry Marsh.
Bring something to drink, a snack or lunch, sunscreen, a hat - and don't forget your binoculars! If you have any questions either reply to this post or email me at gannetmusic@yahoo.com .
cheers
Jerry Walsh
Scarborough
-- 65.123.118.253
In Reply to: chimney swifts posted by Pat Hodgson on August 18, 2004 at 08:20:04:
We had a significant flight of Chimney Swifts yesterday morning, August 19th, at the Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch in Whitby.
cheers
Jerry
-- 66.203.195.104
A lone nighthawk was kiting for insects and calling last night near Dufferin Grove Park (Dufferin College Dovercourt area)
Sandra
-- 65.94.139.114
Numerous chimney swifts were flying around and into the large chimney on the southeast corner of Jarvis and Shuter (downtown) last night around 6:45pm.
Pat Hodgson
Toronto
-- 206.47.220.198
In Reply to: RFI starling night roost posted by Kerri on August 17, 2004 at 09:49:03:
Starlings are not a north american native bird species, so there are no legal implications with treating these birds as pests (aside from municipal bylaws?). Poison should be a last resort...i hate its use, and have only used it personally for a nasty rat invasion I once experienced.
As a naturalist I'd rather use natural means to eliminating their disturbance. Where are they getting their food? Cut this supply off (or let them exhaust it naturally) and that will probably be the most effective deterent.
This is probably a temporary disturbance until the fall when the flock disperse for winter preparations.
Firecrackers won't work as a permanent solution; habitat destruction/disruption is pretty difficult in this case and defeats the purpose (e.g. humans liked the old neighbourhood). Maybe the introduction of a predator? Starlings are usually too fast for house cats, but maybe just the presence of one will deter them.
-- 66.185.84.75
Our condo courtyard has become the nightly roost of many starlings ( 100+ as per residents ) and some house sparrows since the tearing down of the Stelco plant on the Queensway. It is sheltered on 3 sides by the buildings with many maples trees, so I can see why the birds like this spot. However, the residents overlooking the courtyard are disturbed by the noise of all the twittering that frequently lasts until 10 pm. The mess of the droppings is an ongoing daily cleanup as well. Residents are starting to complain to the condo board about how to get rid of the birds. I welcome any suggestions that may encourage the birds to move on. Thanks Kerri and the SKV Condo Board
-- 67.70.61.115
Sighted: adult osprey, Saturday August 14th, Kew Beach Toronto. Observed soaring along shoreline, riding stiff westerly wind.
-- 216.209.153.109
In Reply to: Bird's Sandpipers posted by Norm Murr on August 14, 2004 at 18:29:19:
Should read Baird's Sandpipers not Bird's Sandpipers, a slip of the finger.
Norm Murr
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: Re: Great Blue Heron posted by Al Johnston on August 14, 2004 at 17:18:14:
I've observed GBH's just feeding off minnows. I guess if you've got nothing better to do all day than feed, just about anything will do as long as there's enough of it.
-- 216.209.153.56
Good evening all.
Today Sat., Aug 14, 2004 during our below Hamilton travels Stan Bajurney and I stopped off at the Townsend sewage lagoons and along with 11 species of shorebirds we found 2 Baird's Sandpipers in the southeast lagoon (the first one you come to). These 2 birds were together and appeared to be adults. There is still 1 Red-necked Phalarope in the same lagoon and in the southwest lagoon on the rocky shore I counted 37 Painted Turtles, some large adults
Whlie there we observed a mini kettle of raptors overhead containing 3 Red-tailed Hawks, 3 Turkey Vultures and 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk dive bombing the giant (to it) Red-tails. These birds were drifting in a westerly direction.
Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON NORMURR@SYMPATICO.CA
DIRECTIONS
TOWNSEND SEWAGE LAGOONS
On the way down to Long Point on Hwy 6 you will pass through Hagersville and drive towards Jarvis. Just as you approach the town of Jarvis you will see a sign indicating "TOWNSEND" at Nanticoke Creek Parkway #69. Turn right here and drive to the intersection with the stop signs, turn left on Keith Richardson Parkway and drive past some park ponds on your right. Drive ahead until you see a small children’s shelter (with an air conditioner on it) on your right at County Rd 14. This is just before you reach the abandoned railway line (tracks removed). Turn right here onto County Rd 14. and drive a few hundred yards and you will see a gate and sign indicating that this is a waste treatment area.. Park well to the side of the road, do not block the gate. If the gate is open (they are on some weekends) then do not park directly across from the gate as the larger "Honey Trucks" need the area to swing into and out of the entrance road.
These lagoons are USUALLY only accessible on the weekend or after 6pm during the week.
If asked to leave or not enter then please be respectful and comply as it seems that for now we are being tolerated.
-- 64.228.53.79
In Reply to: Re: Great Blue Heron posted by Colin on August 13, 2004 at 12:19:10:
Hi Again, Colin, GB Herons don't just eat big fish. They'll eat small fish, crayfish, frogs, snakes, mice, ground nesting birds, etc. etc. Al
-- 64.229.229.92
In Reply to: Re: Great Blue Heron posted by Al Johnston on August 12, 2004 at 17:30:22:
There is a small creek in the ravine but to my knowledge it has never had big fish in it that is why i was so curious. I doubt that it would find anything to eat. I have heard the Great Blue Herons scout out backyard for backyard ponds and eat the goldfish out of them.
-- 69.70.78.5
In Reply to: Re: Nighthawks posted by Peter on August 13, 2004 at 07:25:21:
I think you're right - it would have made for a great study, but (at least in many areas) it might be too late to get started on that now. I agree also that the presence of crows is hardly new, but at least in Toronto their numbers have increased in recent decades, and perhaps that helped lead them to expanding their diet to include nighthawk eggs.
Unfortunately, while it is easy for a population (whether nighthawks predated by crows, or crows falling victim to West Nile Virus) to crash quickly, the recovery (if it occurs) is almost inevitably much slower. If the crows really are a key factor in the decline of the nighthawks, then their virtual disappearance may allow the nighthawks to begin reestablishing in the city. However, on a regional/provincial level, the crow population remains far higher than the nighthawk population, and as such I expect it to recover much more quickly. As such, any nighthawk recovery might be brief - but it would be well worth documenting as closely as possible.
-- 129.97.61.64
In Reply to: Nighthawks posted by Marcel Gahbauer on August 12, 2004 at 16:07:55:
I had not heard that hypothesis before, and it makes me wonder what the case has been in the past; that is, we've always had lots of crows in the region, why weren't they always predating urban birds' nests at the same rate? But then, crows are very intelligent and social, I suppose that it could be an example of a recently learned behaviour that could then spread through the population (Could have made a great - if difficult - study for a population/behavioural ecologist, but I suspect there's not much left to study anymore). However it happened, it will be interesting to see what happens to the nighthawk population now that the crow numbers in the Toronto area have plummeted...
-- 64.228.53.105
In Reply to: Great Blue Heron posted by Colin on August 12, 2004 at 13:37:48:
Nice sighting, Colin. Where are you located? Is there a creek at the bottom of the ravine? Yesterday, I saw a GBHE swallow a good sized catfish with much effort. How do they keep from getting impaled on the spines that stick out laterally from the head of a cat fish? anybody? Al
-- 69.70.78.5
In Reply to: Re: ? kestrel posted by Peter on August 10, 2004 at 09:14:27:
It has been hypothesized that predation by crows is at the root of the nighthawk decline, but I'm not aware of any specific evidence which would support that (although it seems to be a logical explanation).
-- 69.70.78.5
In Reply to: Raptors in Toronto posted by Derek Lyon on August 08, 2004 at 06:07:33:
Derek, you're right that the Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel are the most abundant and most easily seen raptors in Toronto. A quick breakdown of other species (keeping in mind that all are seen during the High Park Hawk Watch each fall):
Merlin - becoming regular in very small numbers in winter; possibly also to be expected soon in summer, based on trends elsewhere in Ontario
Peregrine - 4 active nests in Toronto this year, with another 2-3 territorial pairs, plus an additional 3 nesting pairs in Mississauga
Gyrfalcon - occasional winter visitor
Red-shouldered Hawk - rarely seen outside of migration
Broad-winged Hawk - rarely seen outside of migration, except possibly in Rouge Valley in summer
Rough-legged Hawk - usually present in small numbers in winter, but variable from year to year
Sharp-shinned Hawk and Cooper's Hawk - uncommon but increasing, especially in winter as reflected by Christmas Bird Counts
Northern Goshawk - seen on roughly half of recent Christmas Bird Counts; sometimes also at other times during winter (generally in the main ravines)
Osprey - generally seen along lakeshore in late summer (early migrants)
Bald Eagle - becoming semi-regular on Christmas Bird Counts, usually around Tommy Thompson Park / Leslie Street Spit and/or Toronto Island
Golden Eagle - very rare outside of fall migration
-- 65.95.107.241
Today as I was sitting on my porch looking over the ravine to the rear of my house I saw movement in between the trees to my left. It was a Great Blue Heron. It then changed its course and flew directly over me so low that I could almost jump up and touch it. I stayed perfectly still hoping it would perch on my porch. I was just wondering if this was a strange place for this GBH for there is no large water body by my home.
-- 129.97.61.64
In Reply to: Re: ? kestrel posted by John Teshima on August 10, 2004 at 06:31:06:
Actually, the species used to be quite regular in cities in Ontario (and elsewhere in E. North America), because gravel rooftops provided good nesting sites for them. They have, in recent years, gone into a steep population decline here, no one knows why. There used to be a couple of regular pairs here in Kitchener-Waterloo, but I haven't seen one - not even in migration - in perhaps three seasons now. (I think they may be doing all right in the West still.)
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Re: ? kestrel posted by Dave on August 09, 2004 at 09:59:22:
Good call! Looking up the common nighthawk, it fit perfectly. I'd forgotten that I thought I could see white wing markings until I looked at the nighthawk pictures. The description of the call (BEErzsh) was also better than my vague attempt. Thanks for the help. This was a new one for us and something we didn't expect to see in downtown T.O.
-- 206.47.0.171
In Reply to: ? kestrel posted by John Teshima on August 09, 2004 at 09:18:59:
Could have been nighthawks chasing flying insects
-- 142.76.1.62
We were on a deck in the College/Ossington area last evening and in addition to the many chimney swifts, we noticed two falcon like birds high up in the air. We could only see silhouettes, so we couldn't identify any markings. They looked like small falcons with fairly long tails that were held fairly straight (as opposed to fanning out). They flapped frequently and had slightly erratic flight paths, but didn't do the fast hovering I associate with American Kestrels. They were also calling with a rasping "mrepppp" which seemed unlike the "kili" type sounds I associate with kestrels. I'm still guessing they were kestrels, just in terms of common things being common. Any suggestions?
-- 149.99.114.122
In Reply to: Re: Northern Goshawk or Northern Harrier? posted by rose on August 07, 2004 at 09:50:36:
Only the Red-tailed Hawk and the American Kestrel can be called common in Toronto. The Sharp-shin and Cooper's Hawks are common but secretive. Harriers are fairly common in ravine areas. Most other birds of prey can only be seen in Toronto during migration in the fall.
PS: Some Perigrine Falcons do nest here on tall buildings and some of them even over winter here.
Hope this helps, DL
-- 216.192.67.9
We made last minute changes to the day’s itinerary in order to include an opportunity to see the Painted Bunting recently found in Normandale, Ontario. We decided to head straight for the Hidden Valley Campground after meeting this morning to try and find the bird which had been visiting a feeder in the area. After about an hour and ¾ of waiting, the bird appeared on the feeder to everyone’s delight and provided great views. For several birders in the group it was a lifer and well worth the wait as this particular bunting species does not make it to Ontario very often to say the least!
From here we had a quick lunch and moved on to the Townsend Sewage Lagoons. They turned out to be “buzzing’ with large numbers of shorebirds of several different kinds. Most turned out to be either Greater or Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Pectoral Sandpipers, Killdeer, or Semipalmated Plovers. In addition to these, there were lesser numbers of Stilt Sandpiper, Sanderling, Short-billed Dowitcher and Dunlin seen while there. But the highlight of this visit was definitely the Red-necked Phalarope which had traces of its red breeding plumage still visible on the side of its neck. We opted not to spend too much time here and thus did not bird beyond the first sewage quadrant in the complex. Instead, after a quick discussion we agreed to drive to Rock Pt. P.P. near Dunnville to try and see another unusual Ontario bird in that area.
The breeding plumaged Cattle Egret was found exactly as previously described in the field at the intersection of King Road and Regional Road 3, just past the turnoff for Rock Point. It was with a small group of cattle so close to the road that we were able to watch it pick several flies off of the noses of two different calves (no kidding!) as they lay in the field resting beside the adults. The egret even walked around behind them later when they walked away and picked insects off of their legs, it was a very nice field demonstration of a symbiotic relationship. We then went into the nearby Rock Point park where we found very few shorebirds on the shoreline although we added Least and Spotted Sandpipers to our shorebird list for the day (12 species in total). Before we departed we heard and saw Red-eyed Vireo, Gray Catbird, and Baltimore Oriole in the park campground area. It was an excellent day to be out birding. ___________________________________________________________
Brete Griffin - breteg@yahoo.ca
Peel Birding Class - peelbirding@yahoo.ca
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/ and
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
-- 69.158.13.54
In Reply to: Great Egret at Old Mill posted by Gerard on July 17, 2004 at 20:37:17:
It might be breeding as its still in the area. Saw it yesterday (Aug. 6th) near old mill and again this morning farther upstream near Lawrence Ave.
-- 64.228.38.169
In Reply to: Re: Northern Goshawk or Northern Harrier? posted by Tyler on August 06, 2004 at 14:59:01:
Derek and Tyler, thanks very much for the responses. I googled and got some better Harrier images and that definitely does look like it, especially the light underbelly and dark outline around the wings. I had been looking at a drawing in a field guide that gave it a very pronounced owl look around the head--this didn't look right. Are Harrier's common in the ravine area? Are there other raptors I should be looking out for in this area?
Thanks again for the information--this is a great list!
Rose
-- 65.93.198.203
In Reply to: Blue Grosbeak spotted in Kitchener posted by Linda on July 25, 2004 at 14:14:28:
Sorry for the incorrect report. I should have posed it as a maybe or a question. During my trips back to spot this speicimen I have realized that this section of the Walter Bean Trail is home to a number of different birds. I've seen some common birds (Cardinals, Goldfinches, Chickadees, Song Sparrows, house finches) and some less commom - at least to me - (a pair of Redstarts, swallows, flickers, Cedar Waxwings, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, a flycatcher, a catbird, a wren and an Indigo Bunting)
Photos - http://community.webshots.com/album/167199725FVDVpI
-- 24.100.72.132
In Reply to: Re: Northern Goshawk or Northern Harrier? posted by Derek Lyon on August 06, 2004 at 10:50:47:
Several Northern Goshawks are seen yearly in the City of Toronto. Most yearly records are from the High Park Hawk Watch each fall.
Rose, I think your description points to a male Northern Harrier.
-- 64.229.19.224
Believe it or not, but last night as I was driving home, I saw an American White Pelican in a nearby swamp. In Aurora, Ontario -- on St. Johns Sideroad, between Industrial and Yonge -- the swamp/pond on the north side of the road.
-- 204.101.196.17
In Reply to: Re: Herons at Hamilton Harbour posted by David Shilman on August 06, 2004 at 10:05:21:
And to add to David's comment, significantly increasing to the point where the government of Ontario wants to (or has done?) a cull of the birds.
Frank
-- 149.99.114.148
In Reply to: Northern Goshawk or Northern Harrier? posted by rose on August 06, 2004 at 09:17:37:
Hi Rose,
I don't think a Northern Goshawk is the bird you saw. The bird occurs in very low density, in mature forests. I don't think it has ever been seen in Toronto (others may have more detailed records then me, that show a rare sighting).
From the description of the shape, wings and flight behaviour the bird sound like a male Northern Harrier. What was the head shape like that didn't seem right?
Hope this helps, DL
-- 66.185.85.75
In Reply to: Re: Herons at Hamilton Harbour posted by Colin Wright on August 06, 2004 at 04:21:14:
I'll jump in - in case Kin's not around. Yes, they are Double-crested Cormorants. Very common around here.
David
-- 64.228.38.182
Hello,
I just moved back to TO, into a high rise at St. Clair W and Spadina. I keep seeing a gorgeous hawk of some kind flying past my window over the ravine. It has a very light, almost white underbelly and dark bands around the outside of the wings and is bigger than a red-tailed hawk, with a longer, thinner body/tail (I also have a red-tail who goes by quite a bit and appears to be living in a nest in the ravine, just down from the St. Clair West north station exit). It is very agile in flight, dipping, with wings held in slight V. I would think it was a Northern Harrier--except I had a fairly good look at it once when it roosted on a building across the way and the head shape didn't seem right. Can someone tell me--could this also be a Northern Goshawk? Is there something else it could be?
Thanks very much for any help,
Rose
-- 64.228.38.182
Hello,
I just moved back to TO, into a high rise at St. Clair W and Spadina. I keep seeing a gorgeous hawk of some kind flying past my window over the ravine. It has a very light, almost white underbelly and dark bands around the outside of the wings and is bigger than a red-tailed hawk, with a longer, thinner body/tail (I also have a red-tail who goes by quite a bit and appears to be living in a nest in the ravine, just down from the St. Clair West north station exit). It is very agile in flight, dipping, with wings held in slight V. I would think it was a Northern Harrier--except I had a fairly good look at it once when it roosted on a building across the way and the head shape didn't seem right. Can someone tell me--could this also be a Northern Goshawk? Is there something else it could be?
Thanks very much for any help,
Rose
-- 195.92.168.177
In Reply to: Re: Herons at Hamilton Harbour posted by Kin Lau on August 04, 2004 at 16:53:17:
Thanks Kin for the reply - are they Double-crested Cormorants? We are familiar with Great Cormorant here in the UK, mainly coastal breeding, but my Birds of N America suggest that the Great Cormorant is a winter rarity whereas Double-crested are common and increasing.
-- 65.93.25.250
In Reply to: Re: Caspian tern with fish posted by Kin Lau on July 27, 2004 at 12:05:36:
Wow, great pictures! Thank you for the information about the camera, also. I am interested in purchasing one for bird photos.
-- 209.162.247.222
In Reply to: Re: bird outside my window - need help identifying posted by Colin on August 05, 2004 at 09:41:41:
I would like to share my appreciation with all you people who have so kindly provided me with useful information about my inquiries to identify this one bird. I have never seen that one again since, although many of you have suggested that perhaps it was a Cedar Waxwing - My sister, whose eyesight is much more better than my own, said the same thing. I live in Toronto, and I was wondering, does anyone have any suggestions regarding a wildlife club ( or whatever they are called ) that I could participate in ? I am interested findind something in Toronto. I am on limited income, so it would have to be something that is either free to join, or very low cost. Blessings and thanks again to everyone who responded Steven Thauberger
-- 216.94.63.3
In Reply to: PBC Birding Trip to Whitby and Port Perry lagoons posted by B. Griffin on July 31, 2004 at 14:57:47:
To the south of Sobey's warehouse in Whitby, there are three large, shallow puddles which grow and shrink with the weather. To the west of Sobey's, behind the large dirt pile, there are also two ponds which have a narrow shoreline. Both the puddles and the ponds will attract some good shorebirds over the next few months. The weed-covered fields will also bring in Pipits, Longspurs, etc. in October.
-- 142.108.251.194
In Reply to: bird outside my window - need help identifying posted by Steven Thauberger on June 26, 2004 at 17:07:54:
Sorry about being late on this but I have a couple of comments. Cedar Waxwings and female Cardinals have crests and you specifically said your bird did not. Also Cedar Waxwings are flocking birds and this sounds like a solitary bird. I once counted 28 in one small tree. My bet is with the person who suggested it was an Oriole. That was the first thought I had.
-- 207.164.224.2
In Reply to: Herons at Hamilton Harbour posted by Colin Wright on August 04, 2004 at 15:48:57:
Heron's with a tail like that? And thousand's of them? Not very likely. Yes, they're all commorants, and they certainly do nest by the thousands down here.
-- 195.92.168.176
A photograph by Andy Clark published on the Planet Ark website at http://www.planetark.org/envpicstory.cfm?newsid=26383 purports to show herons nesting on a large man made structure on shores of Hamilton Harbor. In the UK we are used to the press getting the wrong ID but fellow birders here think PA have got this one wrong - surely they are all cormorants (?Double-crested) - anyone over there able to confirm this?
-- 192.30.226.26
In Reply to: RFI Movements of Great Blue Herons posted by BIGFRANK on July 26, 2004 at 18:11:41:
There is quite a large heron nesting area on Taunton Road right near the Scarborough/Pickering town line. The nesting area is in the first stand of trees east of the town line on the north side of Taunton rd. and is visible from the road. Steeles Ave. becomes Taunton Rd. at the townline. I have only see the nesting area driving by but there appears to be about 20 or so nests. Hope that helps.
Paul
-- 216.192.68.4
A small group of eager PBCers met this morning and agreed to go out in spite of the inclement weather. We first stopped at the north platform of Cranberry Marsh where we watched a male Northern Cardinal “wrestle” with a large bright green larvae (Cecropia moth?) on the ground in the middle of the path. Without going into too much gory detail, we watched for 10-15 minutes as the bird used its conical bill to “change” its prey into a more manageable form. It then flew off with its food into the shrubbery for further work.
Birds heard and seen from the platform included Black-crowned Night, Green, and Great Blue Herons, Swamp Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Gray Catbird, Barn and Tree Swallows, and a fly-by Wood Duck. At the south platform we spotted a couple of calling juvenile Red-tailed Hawks in a tree in the field across the road from the trailhead. Other birds seen in this area included Eastern Kingbird, Yellow Warbler, a pair of Marsh Wrens, Sora Rail, American Robin, Black-capped Chickadee and American Goldfinch. From here we headed to Sobey’s mudholes (or ponds if you prefer) where we found a few shorebirds including both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Killdeer, Semipalmated Plover, Spotted and Least Sandpipers. At least one of the Spotted Sandpipers was a fledgling with down on its head and a truncated tail. A Green-winged Teal and Savannah Sparrow were also found in this area.
We then decided to check out Markus Lise’s report of the Red-headed Woodpecker at the Whitby mental health center grounds and were not disappointed. We immediately spotted an adult fly into the area when we pulled up and a few minutes later were surprised to see one adult bird about 2 feet off of the ground in a small shrub. A closer examination revealed that the shrub was some kind of Dogwood species with white berries that the woodpecker was gorging itself on. It stuffed its bill full of them and then flew directly up to the large tree overhead with the berries. We quickly realized that they were feeding nestlings that we could hear in a cavity of one of the large trees in that area. If anyone else decides to visit this nesting pair please refrain from disturbing them (e.g. getting too close), they can easily be viewed from the curb at the roadside (at least until the young leave the nest).
We then decided to head north of here to Port Perry to visit the Nonquon sewage lagoons, a place I had not been to since it was “modernized” and Geoff Carpentier had paved the way for all birders to be able to access it. On the way to get the permit on Reach Road we saw a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers at the top of a snag in the middle of a marsh on the south side of the road. We also heard Common Yellowthroat singing when we stopped to view the woodpeckers.
Birds found at the sewage lagoons were Green Heron, Common Moorhen (adults and young), Black Terns (mostly juveniles with a few adults), Red-tailed Hawk, a pair of Trumpeter Swans, Ruddy Ducks, Blue-winged Teal, a Hooded Merganser family, Bank Swallows, many Bonaparte’s Gulls (adults and juveniles) and several singing Marsh Wrens. At about this time the sun came out and many dragonflies appeared and start patrolling the area around the lagoons. They were interesting enough to get me thinking about an Odonata field guide! We called it a day and headed for lunch at about 1pm, grateful that we had perservered today.
____________________________________________________________
Brete Griffin - breteg@yahoo.ca
Peel Birding Class - peelbirding@yahoo.ca
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/ and
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
-- 64.231.118.150
In Reply to: Re: Pigeons: How do you keep them out of feeders? posted by Gail Christoff on July 30, 2004 at 08:19:28:
Last year I put tree twigs and branches of evergreen around the edges the feeder. I could because there were some holes in the sides to stick them in. Not only could the pigeons not hover nearby and eat seed as they had begun to do but House Sparrows and House Finches sat on the twigs waiting their turn and it was worth a photo.
-- 69.158.125.37
In Reply to: Pigeons: How do you keep them out of feeders? posted by Carole on July 28, 2004 at 13:04:05:
Stop filling the feeder for about two weeks till they find somewhere else to go, or change to a tube feeder (they will forage underneath but will not empty feeder.)
-- 216.90.243.3
Hi,
Sorry, this is not about a sighting really but more advice needed: if you have a feeder that is shaped like lantern, where the birds sit on the base of it to feed, what can you do to keep the pigeons from cleaning the bird seed out?
-- 62.253.0.5
In Reply to: Re: Humming birds posted by David Shilman on July 23, 2004 at 17:53:32:
Thanks for replies.I'm from Dundee,Scotland
-- 207.164.224.2
In Reply to: Re: Caspian tern with fish posted by David Burns on July 27, 2004 at 10:51:19:
This was on one of our evening bird walks. I was out on the observation deck for about 10min's watching it. It was quite a show, since it kept circling and diving until it got the fish. Then it lost the fish, and kept on circling and diving again for about another 10 min's.
It's a Canon Digital Rebel with a 75-300mm lense.
-- 206.47.220.198
In Reply to: Caspian tern with fish posted by Kin Lau on July 26, 2004 at 21:02:24:
Great pics. How long did you have to wait to catch a shot like that?
Also, if you don't mind me asking, what type of photography rig did you have setup?
-- 207.164.224.2
In Reply to: RFI Movements of Great Blue Herons posted by BIGFRANK on July 26, 2004 at 18:11:41:
We were at Lynde Shores on Sunday, and ran into Doug Lockrey (sp?) who mentioned a heronry near in Ajax near the new developments. We did see a bunch of GBH's fly over Lynde Shores, circle and land there, and they were coming from the west.
I was at Bluffer's Park one early morning, and I did see a GBH going in and out of the group of trees to the north of the ponds. A few Black Crown Night Heron's also flew in and out of there. I couldn't see any nests but they could be there also.
-- 64.228.47.9
In Reply to: Caspian tern and wood ducks at Too Good Pond posted by Kin Lau on July 26, 2004 at 20:58:45:
Great pics, Kin. What make and model of camera are you using?
Al
-- 65.93.196.102
In Reply to: Re: Blue Grosbeak spotted in Kitchener posted by Peter on July 26, 2004 at 12:10:10:
OK, I am starting to question my sighting but I have added 2 pictures of an Indigo Bunting to Webshots and I do see some differences in the birds I saw.
http://community.webshots.com/album/167199725FVDVpI
I was actually rather far from the bird. I was using my Canon 10D at 480 mm with the extra digital magnification. As well, this photo was cropped.
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: Caspian tern and wood ducks at Too Good Pond posted by Kin Lau on July 26, 2004 at 20:58:45:
Here's the family of wood ducks.
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: Caspian tern and wood ducks at Too Good Pond posted by Kin Lau on July 26, 2004 at 20:58:45:
Here he's again, ready for another dive
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: Caspian tern and wood ducks at Too Good Pond posted by Kin Lau on July 26, 2004 at 20:58:45:
Here's a picture of the Caspian tern right after a catch... unfortunately, he lost it when a gull interfered.
-- 66.11.164.150
Went to Too Good Pond again this evening (Town of Markham, near Kennedy and Hwy 7), and our usual Great Blue Heron was still around, fishing just down from the dam. It's there quite often now.
There's a family of wood ducks, only noticed one immature/juvenile (not sure) female and her brothers, about 6 or 7 immature/juvenile males in eclipse plummage (?). Any one if they'll take on the bright colours in the next month or so? See the picture in the next posting.
We were also treated to a show by a Caspian tern. I've never noticed one at Too Good before. See also the pictures in the followup's.
-- 64.10.130.226
I have gone each morning lately to a park at the top of Scarborough Bluffs,and have seen many Great Blue Herons flying past from east to west along the lakeshore and out over the lake. Today I saw 25 in a couple of hours,12 were in one "flock". Previous days I had seen varying numbers between 6 and 15.I suspect they are just moving down this way from parts further north and sort of staging.
-- 64.229.188.7
In Reply to: Pileated woodpeckers,Swifts,Black crowned night-herons & more at the G. Ross Lord/Don reservoir posted by Kabir Joshi-Vijayan on July 22, 2004 at 13:31:52:
I live in the Bathurst-Finch area, near the York Cemetery. We have a lot of old trees, so we get woodpeckers. Often,while looking out my kitchen window,I have watched Pileated Woodpeckers (male and female)hacking the life out of my neighbour's fruit trees. Last summer, I saw a female in Ellerslie Park. They seem to like the area behind the Bathurst Jewish Center.
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Re: Blue Grosbeak spotted in Kitchener posted by Frank Pinilla on July 26, 2004 at 11:22:03:
Linda,
Looks to me like your first instinct was indeed correct. These photos are of a male Indigo Bunting.
GC
-- 129.97.61.64
In Reply to: Blue Grosbeak spotted in Kitchener posted by Linda on July 25, 2004 at 14:14:28:
Hi Linda,
I agree with Frank, to the extent that this bird looks more like an Indigo Bunting, based on what I can see in the photos (because the bill, while it is a little big for a bunting, doesn't look quite large enough); however, I do not think Blue Grosbeak can be entirely eliminated, because he's (the bird, not Frank) very coyly hiding his wings in all three pictures (don't you hate it when they do that?!?), and those chesnut wing bars are really the key field mark (I think the black facial area could be inconspicuous in that light). Did you get a look at the wings in the field? At the range you must have been at to get such pictures, they would have stood out quite well.
Cheers,
Peter Coo,
Kitchener
-- 204.101.196.17
In Reply to: Re: GTA birding HOTSPOTS? posted by David Burns on July 19, 2004 at 05:59:34:
1. High Park (hawkwatching in the fall, passerines-spring & fall) - probably the best urban birding we have. 2. Toronto Islands (spring & fall migration) 3. Tommy Thompson Park - "the Spit" (spring & fall migration, winter - ducks, loons, grebes, sometimes owls). 4. Any decently wooded ravine/park in the city during migration.
Regards & good birding,
Frank Pinilla
-- 204.101.196.17
In Reply to: Pileated woodpeckers,Swifts,Black crowned night-herons & more at the G. Ross Lord/Don reservoir posted by Kabir Joshi-Vijayan on July 22, 2004 at 13:31:52:
Hi Kabir,
I have seen a Pileated Woodpecker on two occasions at G Ross Lord park, in the past 5 or 6 years, so they are likely nesting in there somewhere.
Regards,
Frank
-- 204.101.196.17
In Reply to: Blue Grosbeak spotted in Kitchener posted by Linda on July 25, 2004 at 14:14:28:
Hi Linda,
I took a look at your pictures, I'm not an expert but the bill doesn't seem large enough, nor is there any tan / chestnut on the wings of this bird, also Blue Grosbeak should have a definite black area around the base of the bill and up towards the eyes. Please take a look at the link for some images of Blue Grosbeak, once there you can also type in "Indigo Bunting" in the search bar, it should help you to see the difference. The biggest difference though, is their size, Indigo Bunting is a very small 4.5" to 5" bird, whereas Blue Grosbeak is quite a bit larger at about 7.5".
Regards & good birding,
Frank Pinilla
http://www.altavista.com/image/results?q=Blue+Grosbeak&mik=photo&mik=graphic&mip=all&mis=all&miwxh=all
-- 65.93.198.64
In Reply to: Blue Grosbeak spotted in Kitchener posted by Linda on July 25, 2004 at 14:14:28:
I apologize for my rookie mistake. I hope this link works better. Thanks Dave for letting me know that the pictures could not be seen.
http://community.webshots.com/album/167199725FVDVpI
If this doesn't work, please try webshots.com and scroll down to 'find a member' and look for lindaelsiabeth. The album is called 'birds'
-- 65.93.198.64
In Reply to: Blue Grosbeak spotted in Kitchener posted by Linda on July 25, 2004 at 14:14:28:
I apologize for my rookie mistake. I hope this link works better. Thanks Dave for letting me know that the pictures could not be seen.
http://community.webshots.com/album/167199725FVDVpI
If this doesn't work, please try webshots.com and scroll down to 'find a member' and look for lindaelsiabeth. The album is called 'birds'
-- 149.99.116.241
In Reply to: Re: Finding Raptors Whitby area... posted by Karina on July 25, 2004 at 09:26:28:
I was there Sunday, July 25th, and saw one Red-tailed Hawk and three Northern Harriers. The Red-tails can appear at any time and anywhere in the marsh. There's a breeding pair of Harriers along with several young, they usually fly low (tree tops or lower) over the southern half of the marsh or Lynde Shores.
-- 65.93.198.64
Today I thought I was taking pictures of a rather dark Indigo Bunting. When I enlarged and checked the shots, however, I realized that it was a Blue Grosbeak! I heard what may have been the female but they both flew away when I plane went by.
I've included links to photos - I hope they work.
http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=showMyPhoto&albumID=167199725&photoID=167205388&security=aFMBpz
http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=showMyPhoto&albumID=167199725&photoID=167205415&security=LIvfJH
Are they as rare as the sources say they are around here? If so, I saw it around 12:45 Sunday, July 25 on the Walter Bean Trail between the M.R. Good Family Trailway and K.D. Woerrner Family Trailway (a.k.a. Woolner Flats) access points. More specifically, I was about 1.5 km from the Good access point and saw the grosbeak in a clearing just past a large cornfield. You must climb some rather large hills to get to this point and it is not a great spot for long views as you are rather close to the airport. Access from the other end is probably easier but I can’t be as specific about the location aside from the fact that it is past the loud pump – or whatever it is – located close to the Grand.
http://www.sju.ca/grt/TrailMap_June03.pdf
-- 69.158.51.228
In Reply to: Re: Finding Raptors Whitby area... posted by Marcel Gahbauer on July 25, 2004 at 08:20:27:
Thank you Derek and Marcel. I think I will be spending some time at Cranberry Marsh watching...
-- 69.70.78.5
In Reply to: Pileated woodpeckers,Swifts,Black crowned night-herons & more at the G. Ross Lord/Don reservoir posted by Kabir Joshi-Vijayan on July 22, 2004 at 13:31:52:
I've seen Pileated Woodpeckers previously in Earl Bales Park (Bathurst & Sheppard), as well as in Forest Valley, in between Earl Bales and G Ross Lord. In G Ross Lord itself, the only place I've seen them is in the swampy northwest section of the reservoir, but their range may be considerable and/or there could be more than one pair in the park, considering its size.
-- 69.70.78.5
In Reply to: Re: Finding Raptors Whitby area... posted by Karina on July 25, 2004 at 07:02:47:
Yes, they'll fly over the marsh, as well as the fields and woods to the north. From late August through to November, there is a daily raptor watch conducted from the southwest platform of Cranberry Marsh, off Hall's Road. Visitors are always welcome, and as Derek noted, most eastern raptors can easily be seen there (although spotting them all will no doubt take several visits unless you're exceptionally lucky). During the migration, mid-morning to early afternoon is usually the best time, and the peak days are those with a northwest wind. For more info, check out the link below.
-- 69.158.51.228
In Reply to: Re: Finding Raptors Whitby area... posted by Derek Lyon on July 24, 2004 at 10:32:00:
Thank you very much. Took a quick run down yesterday to find the area, and saw cedar wax wings, herons, a variety of finch's.
What I am wondering is do the Hawks and Harriers fly over the marsh land, and what time of day is best to be looking for them?
Karina
-- 149.99.112.194
In Reply to: Finding Raptors Ajax area... posted by karina on July 24, 2004 at 09:11:26:
A good place to look is Cranberry Marsh for Red-tailed Hawks and Northern Harriers now. There's a raptor watch there in the fall where you can see almost all the raptors that are in eastern Canada.
The marsh is really in Whitby, just east of Ajax. You may know the marsh better by mentioning that it's part of the Lynde Shores Conservation Area. It's east of Salem Rd. on Baily. The marsh can be accessed from in Lynde Shores but going all the way down down Hall's Rd. (the west side of Lynde Shores) is better.
-- 69.158.69.240
Can anyone tell me where a good place to find a Raptor is in the Ajax/Pickering area? And what time of day they are around?
Have been to a few places and spent a lot of time over meadows with no luck.
Help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Karina
-- 66.185.85.75
In Reply to: Humming birds posted by JIM COBB on July 22, 2004 at 15:44:36:
Hmmm, tough to just go out and find one. Try to find a yard with a hummingbird feeder.
Where you from?
David
-- 64.229.222.218
In Reply to: Humming birds posted by JIM COBB on July 22, 2004 at 15:44:36:
Also, the Toronto Zoo is a great place to visit in Toronto and can also have a few sightings of birds. If you get a map of the zoo you can find your way to a field which is often used to identify butterflies. My luck in sighting hummingbirds is usually very good on each visit.
-- 206.47.220.198
In Reply to: Humming birds posted by JIM COBB on July 22, 2004 at 15:44:36:
I've had great luck at Jack Darling park off of Lakeshore Boulevard near the border of Toronto and Mississauga this year. The Rhoddedendron gardens seem to attract them at the break of daylight and at dusk. I've seen two or three at a time in the gardens earlier in the summer, and had one actually fly around my head(!). I had stood perfectly still for a good 5 minutes before that happened. That was in June and I haven't been there in a month, however.
Your best bet is to find a park with flowers in bloom without alot of traffic. After 5pm is your best bet in my experience.
-- 62.252.148.7
I will be in Toronto for 1 week 6-13th.August,my first time in summer and I am very keen to see my first Humming birds.Can anyone tell me of a good spot in a public place within Toronto to see them?Thanks
Jim Cobb
-- 205.188.116.202
Last evening I visited the G. Ross Lord & Don reservoir- a great place for birding which is located directly across the street from where I live. I have memories of seeing a mockingbird cock its tail while singing its many merry tunes in this setting. This visit, however, was different- the cool shady air had a damp earthy smell to it. There was also the stiffling smog from the road. The serene beauty hit me as I entered the reservoir: the bulgloss & Queen Anne's lace blooming from the undergrowth and the high pitched chatter of the dozens of chimney swifts and the gracefullness of the (G.B.H) gliding overhead. I also caught a glimpse of many song sparrows and 3 motionless black crowned-night herons scanning the water. YET, at noon today-22/07/04, I saw a pair of huge beautifull PILEATED WOODPECKERS flap past my car from the direction of the reservoir! Has anyone seen pileated woodpeckers in the Finch/Bathurst area?
-- 206.108.6.158
In Reply to: Great Egret posted by ken on July 20, 2004 at 08:03:24:
Yesterday morning (July 20th) around 10:30, saw a Great Egret fly over the Humber River bridge at Dundas St. Saw it standing in the Humber River near Eglinton St. about 11:00 a.m.
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Re: Great Egret, other herons, terns and Marsh wren posted by Bob Kortright on July 20, 2004 at 09:53:32:
Great Egret bred for the first time at the Leslie St. Spit in 2002. Last year it nested again at the Spit and additionally in the Humber Marshes. This summer it bred only at the Leslie St. Spit.
It is still a very rare nesting bird in the GTA, but in late summer additional non-local birds from further south appear here as post-breeding wanderers.
Glenn
-- 192.75.48.150
In Reply to: Great Egret posted by ken on July 20, 2004 at 08:03:24:
Great Egrets are regular but not common in Toronto. Check the data in the Breeding bird atlas at http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/map.jsp?ts=1090341889154.
They were first recorded nesting in Toronto last year (on the Leslie St Spit). I saw one fly over the base of the Spit yesterday, and have seen one in both the Woodbine Park ponds within the last couple of weeks. On Sunday at the western pond I saw Black-Crowned Night and Great Blue Herons, Common and Caspian terns, and heard again the Marsh Wren that has been singing there since June 30th. I have seen the wren only once.
-- 216.191.155.130
Saw a Great Egret feeding in the man-made pond at Woodbine Park (the new development where the racetrack used to be in the Toronto Beaches) last night. I had never seen one in the area before... does anyone know how common they are here?
-- 206.47.220.198
In Reply to: Re: GTA birding HOTSPOTS? posted by Kin Lau on July 18, 2004 at 18:33:58:
For the west end people...
High Park is probably the most accessible urban centre. Grenadier pond is a good stop point for migrating birds in the fall. Don River Valley is also a possibility, although not as diverse, at least south of the 401.
I grew up near the Humber River. The ravine system is quite secluded and a good choice, especially at the north end of the city in Etobicoke. Once you get north of Eglinton it is very isolated and provides lots of opportunities for birds to nest and forage.
In Mississauga, things get really good. Rattray (sp?) Marsh is an excellent spot down by the lake. Erindale Park (by UofT Erindale Campus) is quite large and even more expansive that the Humber River system. Port Credit is good too, although urbanised.
Heading further west, there have been lots of recommendations for KernCliff Park (Burlington) here which I can fully endorse -- it's one of the best places I've been too so far in the GTA, located ideally on the Niagara Escarpment.
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: Some shorebirds at The Spit posted by BIGFRANK on July 17, 2004 at 17:04:31:
We were there too, probably a little later in the day, around 7m at the same embayment on our way out of the park. We saw at least 5 or 6 Least Sandpipers, and a Semipalmated Sandpiper.
Further down at the small pond (the second one where you have to go _down_ into it), we saw a Spotted Sandpiper.
The Heron nesting area is quite a sight as usual, and the overook across from the 1st embayment area is quite nice for viewing the nesting terns.
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: GTA birding HOTSPOTS? posted by Kabir Joshi-Vijayan on July 18, 2004 at 16:16:00:
Tommy Thompson's one of my favourite, Rouge Watershed from Richmond Green up in Richmond Hill, thru Too Good Pond in Markham, thru Rough Park in East TO to Rouge Beach is pretty good. Out towards Oshawa/Whitby, you have Thickson's Woods, Lynda March and the 2nd Marsh.
Those are my favourite, and reflect the fact that I live in East Scarb and have been to these places.
-- 66.185.85.75
In Reply to: Joe Schmo falcon posted by Keith Sharp on July 17, 2004 at 19:47:25:
According to his "bio", he's "actually a hawk".
http://www.spiketv.com/shows/series/joeschmo/bios.jhtml
Other than that, I can't help you. Maybe someone else can check out the photo on the link.
David
-- 69.192.200.127
In Reply to: Re: RFI - sparrows @ Lynde posted by Colin Burgess on July 12, 2004 at 12:29:27:
I belive you are correct. There are, it seems always, a lot of red-winged black birds at Lynde.
-- 205.188.116.202
I have just returned from a memorable,scenic and exciting trip to Manitoba. I viewed many elusive western Birds-Western/Clark's grebes,Boreal chikadees and American avocets just to name a few. Upon returning to Toronto, I wonder what would be a few good Birding HOTSPOTS in the GTA?Could you advise me on the best birdspots for this time of year in the T.O vicinity?
Kabir
-- 70.48.6.13
This afternoon (Sat) a Great Egret was feeding in the shallows just above the bridge at Old Mill -- feed, fly 10m downstream, feed, etc. Very good views. Does anyone know if they're now breeding here?
gerard
-- 70.48.6.13
This afternoon (Sat) a Great Egret was feeding in the shallows just above the bridge at Old Mill -- feed, fly 10m downstream, feed, etc. Very good views. Does anyone know if they're now breeding here?
gerard
-- 64.229.236.230
Anyone out there watching the Joe Schmo Two reality show know what kind of Falcon is featured on the telecast?
-- 199.243.108.106
In Reply to: Re: Sharp-Shinned Hawk or Merlin-- east end TO posted by Glenn Coady on July 16, 2004 at 10:08:58:
Julie,
I saw this family of birds quite well today. Best as I could determine it is a family of four American Kestrels (2 adults and 2 flight capable young). I suspect they likely nested on the Bell Canada building one block to the south, and that the young birds (still being fed by the adults) roost nightly in the spruce in which you are seeing them. I saw one young bird leave that spruce roost site after a long observation this morning.
Cheers,
Glenn Coady
-- 64.10.121.190
At Tommy Thompson Park(Leslie St Spit) today,I had hoped to see a few early migrants. I saw a Least Sandpiper,Short-billed Dowitcher and Lesser-yellow Legs all in the first embayment where all the work is being done. Enjoy
-- 142.76.1.62
In Reply to: Sharp-Shinned Hawk or Merlin-- east end TO posted by Julie on July 16, 2004 at 09:20:20:
Julie,
These are likeliest to be Sharp-shinned Hawks, but Merlin is not entirely out of the question. As regional coordinator for Toronto for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, I thank you for bringing this nest to my attention. I will check the nest today and let you know what I determine.
Glenn
-- 149.99.117.165
In Reply to: Sharp-Shinned Hawk or Merlin-- east end TO posted by Julie on July 16, 2004 at 09:20:20:
I think you probably found a sharp-shinned hawk nest. A merlin would be a rare find this time of year in TO. If what you saw is a sharp-shinned hawk it has short rounded wings (a Merlin has pointy wings), a sharp-shinned hawk adult is more two-toned -- grey on its back and white with banding on it underside.
For more help you can use Google to search for images of sharp-shinned hawks and merlins. I often use the web site below, just click the link below.
Hope this helps, DL
-- 67.71.225.114
Someone help me out here! We have either a sharp shinned hawk or a merlin nesting and raising fledglings in my Riverdale neighbourhood. They are nesting in a tall conifer on Victor Ave half a block from Carlaw, and are fairly shy. They are also blue-jay sized, noisy, long tailed, fairly short wings, boldly striped. My Audubon CD ROM has ben helpful in narrowing it down to these two species (thanks to the excellent sound recordings that come with the CD), but as I'm not from TO I don't know which species it's more likely to be. Any advice appreciated.
-- 207.34.229.148
Greetings everyone...
Late afternoon, yesterday at Col. Samuel Smith park I first heard, and then saw a pair of Eastern Kingbirds (my first).
-- 65.92.119.98
In Reply to: Re: Perhaps a Townsend's Solitaire? posted by Peter on July 14, 2004 at 06:06:59:
Hi Peter,
I think that's it!
Thaks everyone for your suggestions - you're a keen bunch.
Marion.
-- 129.97.61.64
In Reply to: Perhaps a Townsend's Solitaire? posted by Marion Sutcliffe on July 13, 2004 at 16:17:21:
Hi Marion,
The Solitaire is a very rare bird in Ontario, but certainly possible - however, such sightings as there are have almost exclusively occurred in winter (the result post-breeding dispersal from their home range in the west). Usually, you'd be likely to see the distinct colour in the wings on a Solitaire. To me, the combination of grey back colour, long tail, and mellifluous song suggests Northern Mockingbird.
-- 66.203.190.55
Today at the tollgate ponds in Hamilton,located at the south east end of the skyway bridge.
Lesser yellowlegs and Short billed dowitchers.
-- 64.229.92.87
In Reply to: Help identifying this bird? posted by Marion Sutcliffe on July 11, 2004 at 20:10:25:
Hi,
I'm wondering if perhaps this was a Townsend's Solitaire - the upright perch stance & location, tail length & streamlined tail position, song, and shape/colour is right. In the dusk the paler eye ring, wing patches and tail markings might not have shown up.
I'd be interested to hear if there are any other recent sightings in this area.
Marion.
-- 192.75.48.150
In Reply to: RFI: Mockingbirds posted by Marilyn Spearin on July 12, 2004 at 19:04:18:
Check the data in the Breeding bird atlas. At http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/map.jsp?ts=1089734781557 you can see that signs of probable mockingbird breeding has been recorded even in Thunder Bay and Moosonee, and breeding has been confirmed in most parts of the GTA, which had only a few squares with confirmed breeding during the first atlas.
I wouldn't call them common yet, but they certainly are increasing and spreading north.
-- 206.47.220.198
In Reply to: Re: golden eagles posted by Colin Burgess on July 13, 2004 at 06:54:24:
Thanks for your posts. I've enough information here to discount my weak identification. My guide doesn't show all the stages of either hawk that you've suggested so I'll have to do some better research.
-- 142.106.94.58
In Reply to: Re: golden eagles posted by Colin Burgess on July 13, 2004 at 06:46:27:
P.S. The immature Northern Harriers are also brown
-- 142.106.94.58
In Reply to: Re: golden eagles posted by David Burns on July 06, 2004 at 13:09:07:
David, from one newbie to another. A FEMALE Northern Harrier (Marsh Hawk) is according to my book the only BROWN hawk (as opposed to the hawkish reddish stripey tawny look) They hover really low with their wings in a very shallow "V". They have a white flash where the back and tail meet. They are common in Southern Ontario. The male is completely different and like a big dirty seagull.
-- 209.151.131.162
Are Mockingbirds having an irruption into Southern Ontario? Years ago, I used to get all excited at seeing one at Pelee, and there was one resident family in Niagara Falls. But this spring I saw two, separately, at Prince Edward Point in May; then in the first week of July, one was singing from the hydro towers near Dupont and Christie; and today one came to bathe and drink at my bird bath in the Annex. Are they now common Toronto birds?
-- 67.69.252.172
In Reply to: What is this bird? posted by Colin Burgess on July 12, 2004 at 11:54:04:
Could be a gull, but more likely a Common Tern or a Forster's Tern. A gull is pretty large, and Terns are closer in size to a robin.
They're also quite vocal in my experience. I've seen lots of terns at the Leslie Spit in the past, too. I've provided a pic of a Common Tern for comparison.
-- 62.64.142.121
In Reply to: Re: RFI Canvasback posted by Glenn Coady on July 11, 2004 at 21:23:39:
Hi Glenn,
Thanks very much for your prompt and informative reply.
Best wishes,
Tim
-- 64.231.10.86
In Reply to: No hummers! posted by Anne in Stouffville on June 23, 2004 at 05:15:41:
females are nesting. they will be back with young
-- 64.231.10.86
my wife and i were watching an osprey nest. 2 redwing blackbirds were harassing osprey in nest. the blackbirds were actually in the nest with osprey. we have 2 theories..1)there was red wing blackbird nests in same area and osprey was seen as a threat or 2) the redwing blackbird were after the osprey eggs as the female never left her nest for several days. just wondering if anyone else has heard of this or knows why the RW blackbirds do this.
-- 142.106.94.58
In Reply to: RFI - sparrows @ Lynde posted by Steve Budan on July 04, 2004 at 19:04:50:
You did not say anything about the size of your sparrow. My suggestion begs correction by one of my betters, but your picture looks like a female redwing blackbird. Check one out on the web. They look absolutely nothing ike the male!!!
-- 142.106.94.58
I was biking on the Leslie Spit, July 11. It is a narrow neck of land which juts out into Lake Ontario at Toronto. I am an inexpert bird watcher. I did not have my binoculars with me since I am a serious biker. But I saw a bird watcher getting very interested in a bird I could not see as I rode past But I heard its song "Geek geek geek geek" Some time later, passing near the same place, I got a clear look at a bird perched near me on a post that I should have taken better note of. It was about Robin size or just a little bigger. It had a completely black head. It had a dark red beak and feet. It was going "Geek geek geek geek". I did not think it could possibly be a gull until it took off away from me. It had grey and white like a gull and flew like a gull. But really small for a gull.
Is it a "Little Gull"? I looked in my Audabon
Regards, Colin Burgess
-- 129.37.153.15
In Reply to: Help identifying this bird? posted by Marion Sutcliffe on July 11, 2004 at 20:10:25:
It could be a Warbling Vireo - especially given your description of its song.
-- 209.226.247.182
In Reply to: Re: Red-throated loon July 4, 2004 posted by Andrea on July 12, 2004 at 06:38:28:
Very cool shots, Andrea. Now if you wanted to just display 1 photo at time, here, there's an easy way to do that as well. Upload your shots to your photo album, and then load them as you would if you were a visitor viewing them. Pick the one you want to display, right click, and select PROPERTIES. Highlight the url, and paste it in, where the field (below) is marked "optional image url". This is what I did with your #1 shot
-- 192.75.48.150
In Reply to: Help identifying this bird? posted by Marion Sutcliffe on July 11, 2004 at 20:10:25:
I would guess female or immature Brown-headed Cowbird -check at http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/infocenter.html
-- 64.229.229.43
In Reply to: Help identifying this bird? posted by Marion Sutcliffe on July 11, 2004 at 20:10:25:
It sounds like you are describing a Catbird. They are usually seen or more likely heard in dense shrubbery as you described. They are quite common around the Toronto area. I actually have one signing very often in the forested area behind my house.
-- 66.48.7.54
In Reply to: Re: Red-throated loon posted by Andrea on July 11, 2004 at 08:19:11:
Yipee! Finally figured it out. If anyone's interested, go here to see some pics of the red-throated loon...
http://www.blackphotocentre.com/blacks/control/photosite/amuzzi@blacks
I think/hope I did it right!
-- 69.157.2.222
Today at Bronte creek Provincial Park seen a Pine warbler
Bobolink,eastern blue birds,eastern meadowlarks,yellow warblers, and many others
-- 69.194.113.67
In Reply to: RFI Canvasback posted by Tim Staton on July 11, 2004 at 15:20:09:
Hello Tim,
I am the breeding bird atlasser for the Toronto Islands and the regional atlas coordinator for Toronto. My e-mail address can be found on the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas site. [http://www.birdsontario.org]
All spring and summer there have been two pairs of Aythya ducks at the Toronto Islands. One of the pairs is a bona fide pair of Canvasbacks, which nested on the Toronto Islands last year (and may have done so this summer). The other pair consists of a female Canvasback paired with a male Canvasback x Redhead hybird. I would therefore strongly suspect you saw the latter pair, the male of which has orange irides, an intermediate head colour (closer to Canvasback), bill profile, back colour & bill pattern. I could easily see someone confusing it with Common Pochard.
Very small numbers of Canvasback have been breeding at the nearby Leslie St. Spit since 1999 and at Toronto Island since 2003. A pure male Redhead has been observed courting a female Canvasback many times at the Leslie St. Spit in this period. The hybrid male at Toronto Island this summer thus may be of local origin.
Hope this is helpful in interpreting your observations.
Glenn Coady
-- 64.229.239.149
Would somebody here be able to give a few options to what this might be?
- Very slender body, about the size of a starling, but more slender, and with a longer tail (tapered, not squared or forked). No strong markings - medium-dark gray-buff head/back/tail, and lighter buff chest.
- Seen singing, perching on a traffic sign by a roadside at dusk, 1 block from the Lake Ontario shoreline in the Beach area of Toronto. Flew into an evergreen tree as some other people approached - no distinctive flight pattern, but it was a short flight, so hard to tell.
- Very melodic delicate (not harsh or aggressive) song, with no repeated pattern.
-- 67.69.252.172
In Reply to: Today @ Kerncliff posted by Guy Granka on July 04, 2004 at 11:23:49:
Thanks for your posts on Kerncliff. My wife and I went there today for some late afternoon birding, and we were VERY impressed with the location. Not alot of people, and its also a park that you wouldn't find easily... not a major recognised Provincial or National Park, nor a Conservation area.
Although we're amateurs, we're careful not to make any assumptions about bird identification. We can confidently say that in a span of about 90 minutes, we found the following:
Indigo Bunting (our first!), Bohemian Waxwings, American Goldfinches, a Chipping Sparrow (got a good close look), a Hairy Woodpecker (bigger than a Downy Woodpecker, but very similar colouration).
We missed some identifications of some sparrows, a flycatcher, and some sort of hawk flying overhead.
We had alot of luck walking along the trail at the top of the escarpment, bordering on the field...a nice cross section of habitat. There's several dead trees which made identification very easy for the Indigo Bunting and Bohemian Waxwing.
A GREAT location...thanks again for your post.
-- 62.64.236.165
During a vacation visit to your city last week, I observed a pair of ducks at 15.00 from Algonquin Island on Sunday 04 July which appeared to me at the time to be very similar to Western Palearctic Pochard (Aythya ferina). Unfortunately I failed to record the eye colour but my recollection is that the drake was red-eyed and I listed the birds as Canvasback (Aythya valisineria). A birding colleague here in the UK has cast doubt on this observation and suggests the birds were more likely to be Redheads (Aythya americana). I would be very grateful for any information on the preponderance/distribution of both these species in Toronto in July and would welcome any comments on my observation.
Regards,
Timothy Staton
-- 64.229.20.22
In Reply to: Re: Red-throated loon posted by Carla on July 10, 2004 at 03:19:32:
Hi Carla,
I'll try - but it might take me awhile as I'm not slightly technically challenged!
Andrea
-- 216.208.58.187
In Reply to: Red-throated loon posted by Andrea on July 09, 2004 at 11:24:57:
Hi Andrea,
I'm not really in the TO area either, but I still post here. :-)
One way some people post pictures here is by using one of the free photo albums online (like www.clubphoto.com), and then copying the url of the pictures there, into the "optional image url" field below, when you submit a follow up.
I look forward to seeing your Loon, I love Loons. :-)
Carla
East Zorra - Tavistock area
-- 66.48.7.53
Hi everyone,
I'm a new birder, but saw a red-throated loon at our place in Lagoon City (on lake Simcoe) this past weekend. I think it's out of the Toronto area as defined by your website, but thought some of you might be interested...I have a picture if anyone can tell me how to post it!
Andrea
-- 206.47.220.198
In Reply to: Re: golden eagles posted by Marcel Gahbauer on July 06, 2004 at 10:11:48:
Thanks for your reply.
I will endeavour to be more specific regarding my description as obviously it is of paramount importance, barring photographic evidence! :)
There were two birds, and hovering is an incorrect term. They were about 10 meters above the treetops in the forest on the north side of the Point Pelee Tip parking lot. They were gliding in large lazy circles above the forest.
They were definitely larger than crows; were clearly a bird of prey; and were darkly coloured (brown). The closest of the two flew overhead once, and I got a good look at its underside. The entire body was a solid colour, with the exception of a white streak crossing the tailfeathers horizontally.
The only thing that prevents me from stating it was a Golden Eagle categorically is because of commentary about immature golden eagles -- they are supposed to have white streaks on the wings too when immature, and unforutnately it was only the tail that matched the examples provided in our 'Birds of Ontario' book. I looked into other books at Coles Bookstore today and see similar commentary throughout the examples. Unfortunately I haven't found anything any closer to the representation.
The only thing I can think of is that it was a specicies of hawk or falcon that I am unfamiliar with, and I'm misjudging the size. All of the examples of other Ontario birds of prey show flecked or spotted underbodies though, which definitely would eliminate them from our observations.
-- 69.70.78.5
In Reply to: golden eagles posted by David Burns on July 05, 2004 at 14:22:41:
Colin, it's more likely you saw Bald Eagles. They are now nesting in good numbers all along Lake Erie, whereas Golden Eagles are indeed an exceptionally rare sight anywhere in southern Ontario during the summer.
Of course, it could have been something other than an eagle - in fact, the mention of it hovering makes me think it is. Perhaps a harrier or osprey? Many raptors have some white on the tail, so without further detail it's tough to guess.
-- 192.75.48.2
In Reply to: RFI: Goose posted by Joanne on July 06, 2004 at 07:36:06:
Perhaps a White-fronted goose (see http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i1710id.html) but could be (probably is) an escaped domestic (Greylag, Egyptian) or hybrid.
-- 69.194.22.0
Could anyone identify a goose-like bird that swims in the Don River, maybe a kilometer north of where you get on the bike path, sometimes with Canadian geese, sometimes by itself. It has a white face, darker head cap, light brown feathers, white underneath. It has a barking call.
Thanks
-- 206.47.220.198
My wife and I spent the long weekend in Point Pelee National Park. We saw a ton of new birds, although as newbie birders its probably pretty easy to rack up a score of 20 to 30 a day when you're conciously looking for new birds. :)
My main question is that we saw two large birds hovering over the forest at one point, one with a distinctive white streak on its tail. It looked ~extremely~ similar to the example we had of an immature Golden Eagle. I've seen Bald Eagles before, although only in Banff and not in Ontario.
My question is: according to our guide book, golden eagles are usually only seen in Point Pelee during fall migrations. Can anyone comment on how strict a rule this is? We've eliminated anything smaller than a falcon, including turkey vultures. It was definitely a bird of prey.
-- 64.231.5.126
In Reply to: Re: Immature Black Crown Night Heron posted by Kin Lau on July 04, 2004 at 19:03:31:
excellent photos - thanks for sharing!
-- 207.139.2.230
In Reply to: Re: Help for identification posted by Steve Budan on July 02, 2004 at 19:09:41:
Sorry Jean-Francois, I goofed. Upload your picture to your web space then use this html tag, not the one from my first post. This will display the picture in your post
<img src = "http://urlOfYourImageHere.zzz/imagefilename.jpg">
-steve
-- 207.139.2.230
Hi all,
It was pretty quiet at Lynde yesterday, Saturday July 3rd.
Saw the sparrows pictured below, house sparrows, eastern kingbird, red-winged blackbirds, Canada Geese and some sort of hawk like critters, they flew low and fast, so I'm not too sure what they might have been.
And last but not least, lots of bunnies, saw about 4 of them! Oh and about 5 trillion mosquitoes!!!
I saw these sparrows yesterday at Lynde in Whitby and I can't identify them, maybe they're not even sparrows.
sparrow 1, I think its a savannah sparrow, but am really not sure
sparrow 2, I have no idea
thanks in advance -steve
-- 66.11.164.150
In Reply to: Immature Black Crown Night Heron posted by Kin Lau on July 04, 2004 at 09:42:54:
I've re-organized my photo folder and updated with a few more birding shots from Tommy Thompson.
http://www.blackphotocentre.com/blacks/control/photosite/gabe@blacks
-- 64.229.228.203
Recently at the Sandbanks Provincial park I spotted numerous species of birds. There was an abundance of Northern Flickers, Downy Woodpeckers, Chipping Sparrows, House Sparrow, Goldfinches, House finches and even a couple blue-gray gnatcatchers. The park is just south of belleville near Prince Edward County. The dunes were very alive with the sound of birds. Even the trip there from Oshawa prooved a good birding experience with the sightings of numerous Eastern Kingbirds, Belted Kingfishes, Turkey Vultures and Orioles.
-- 65.92.46.224
Today @ Kerncliff Park (Burlington)
Virgina Rail, Sora Rail, Scarlet Tananger, Pileated Wood Pecker, King Birds galore, Baltimore Oreole (feeding young in nest ) Common Yellow Throat, Yellow Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Barn Swallows and Cedar Wax Wings. Seen a Great Horned Owl yesterday and found its nest south towards the golf course.A special thanks to all the people working to reclaim this area and for keeping it natural and free of debris. Im seeing more and more birders in this area each week. The word is getting out about this great area.G.G
-- 66.11.164.150
We had a great afternoon at Tommy Thompson Park, plenty of the usual birds, but we managed to get a good look at the nesting sites for the Black Crowned Hight Heron's. Standing right at the "Environmentally Sensitive Area" sign, we could many nests, some practically right above us.
Here's a few shots of an immature heron on the ground.
http://www.blackphotocentre.com/blacks/control/photosite/gabe@blacks/view/show/frames?showcid=pr1057768270475&lang=EN
-- 69.157.2.197
I seen a nesting male and female redneck grebe at burloak park,located at Hampton heath and lakeshore in Burlington.Many bank swallows were also observed.
-- 65.95.105.135
In Reply to: Help for identification posted by Jean-François on June 30, 2004 at 12:26:30:
If you find it too difficult to post a picture just describe the bird you saw. Most likely you will get a reply with a correct answer.
-- 64.228.47.41
In Reply to: Osprey - July 1 - Richmond Hill posted by Frank Pinilla on July 02, 2004 at 08:32:45:
Frank, a week or so ago I had an osprey circle our 2 acre pond, hover for a moment and then dive. It hit the water, feet first, with a big splash and came up with a decent sized fish (hope it was a sucker and not a bass) Al, just west of Stouffville
-- 207.139.2.230
In Reply to: Help for identification posted by Jean-François on June 30, 2004 at 12:26:30:
Hi Jean-Francois,
I'm new to the OutdoorOntario board, but you cannot upload a picture with your post as far as I can tell. I may be wrong!
I imagine there are two reasons for this, 1) server space 2) bandwidth both cost money.
So....I'm not sure if this is the easiest, but here goes. With most internet access accounts you get some web-space.
Upload your picture to your web space.
Browse to your picture via your fav browser. Its probalbly something like
http://www.your-isp.zzz/~yourwebspace/yourpicture.jpg
Once you have done this you can past the url into the optional image url when you post your post. Or you can include the image link right in your post. that would look like this. <a href="http://yourlinkhere.zzz>link text here"
Be kind, don't make the picture too big.
-steve
-- 206.47.0.171
Hi All,
While at Canada Day festivities in Richmond Hill, I had an Osprey fly over (east to west) near Major Mackenzie Dr & Bathurst St, seems a weird area for an Osprey to be hanging out as there is no nearby large lake or river, but could have been an unmated bird just roaming around.
Cheers & good birding,
Frank Pinilla
-- 216.208.58.150
In Reply to: Re: bird outside my window - thanks, Carla posted by Lisa on July 01, 2004 at 06:22:06:
Hi Lisa,
you're quite welcome. I love birds, and love photographing them - although I am not a pro, by any stretch of the imagination. Feel welcome to browse my local bird photo album at the link below.
-- 209.161.239.208
In Reply to: Re: bird outside my window - need help identifying posted by Carla on June 27, 2004 at 02:28:05:
Thank you Carla! I don't know if the e-mail was accurate for Steven, but it was exactly what I was pondering. I have been searching the net to identify the bird I saw this morning in the yard, and ten minutes into the surfing, there you were with the photo id. of the waxwing. Thanks for posting the picture with your note!!!
-- 65.50.55.92
I took the pictures of a few birds but I cannot identifie them. Can someone help me? I do not know how to attach them to this posting...where can I send them or to whom?
Thanks
Jean-François
-- 192.75.48.2
A few metres north of Lakeshore, east of Coxwell is a small marsh, at the west end of which I heard a marsh wren singing at about 6am today.
Good birding.
-- 65.49.80.215
Black Crowned Night Heron sighted by Lake Aquataine located at the intersection of Aquataine and Montevideo in Meadowvale (Mississauga) at 8:15pm on June 28/04. Bird was sitting on cemment run-off wall at far end of lake. Lake is stocked with rainbow trout, perch, bass, catfish and gold fish. Could offer enough variety in fish to keep bird around for a couple days.
-- 69.157.20.182
In Reply to: Re: Kern Cliff Park Burlington posted by Dominik Halas on June 26, 2004 at 12:35:55:
Kern Cliff Park take Dundas just west of Brant St. go south on Evans Rd.(at the church ) follow to bottom of Quarry. Parking lot located on East side.Seen three young Virgina Rails tonight. They tend to come right out to edge of marsh early evening and early morning. Also you can follow the trails through the quarry they lead to the Bruce Trail. If you go to the top of the escarptment and follow the trail east there is some great birding along the top of the quarry as well. Good Luck. Guy Granka
-- 69.158.27.110
The Toronto Bay Initiative is a non-profit environmental organization. One of their events this summer is called the "Bay Boat Tour 2", and it features an expert speaker from the Ontario Field Ornithologists. For anyone who's interested, here's some more information about the event:
Sunday July 11, 9:45 am - noon
Bay Boat Tour 2
Always a hit, our popular bay boat tour is back. This time we'll look at life on, above and below the Toronto Bay. We'll have an expert from the Ontario Field Ornithologists tells us about birds and other wildlife in the bay area. We'll hear about the Blue Flag Program and find out whether Toronto's beaches are safe and why. And we'll learn from an aquatic ecologist about something fishy going on beneath the water's surface. Don't miss this popular event. In partnership with Mariposa Cruise Lines. Space is limited. You must call TBI to pre-register: 416-598-2277. TBI Members $15, Non-members $20.
http://www.torontobay.net
-- 209.226.247.111
In Reply to: How do I attract baltimore orioles? posted by JBP on June 27, 2004 at 15:57:24:
All we did was cut an orange in half, and stick it to a nail on a tree in the yard. The first year we did this, we saw the orioles quite often. The next year, we put another orange on a nail on the windowsill, and they found it the first day.
This year, we put 4 orange stations out - and sure enough, they come to every one of them.
Give it a try.
-- 66.185.85.75
In Reply to: How do I attract baltimore orioles? posted by JBP on June 27, 2004 at 15:57:24:
Put up an oriole feeder. They are nectar feeders (similar to hummingbird feeders) designed specifically for orioles. You could also try attaching a orange half to something out in your garden. Good luck!
David
-- 64.231.134.218
Can anyone suggest how I might attract baltimore orioles to my feeder? I live in North Toronto and have many cardinals, gold finches and purple finches, but no orioles. And I want some!
Please advise!
JBP
-- 216.208.58.126
In Reply to: bird outside my window - need help identifying posted by Steven Thauberger on June 26, 2004 at 17:07:54:
Was it this guy? This is a cedar waxwing.
-- 66.185.85.75
In Reply to: bird outside my window - need help identifying posted by Steven Thauberger on June 26, 2004 at 17:07:54:
Could this be it? (A female Baltimore Oriole.)
-- 24.101.200.123
In Reply to: bird outside my window - need help identifying posted by Steven Thauberger on June 26, 2004 at 17:07:54:
Sounds like a female cardinal. Only the male is red the female is a brownish colour. It could also be a young bird that has not yet developed the bright red colour.
-- 207.112.51.113
I am not a skilled or experienced bird watcher, although I do love wildlife.This morning as I was having coffee, a small bird landed on the tiny window sill outside my window. It looked similar to a cardinal
however it did not have the pointy peak on it's head that cardinals have. It was a reddish - brown color, with a distinctive black stripe or band encircling the area around the head, where the eyes are located. I have never seen a bird like this before, and I wondered if anyone could help me identify this bird ? I am curious to know what it was that sat outside my window for almost 3 or 4 minutes.
Looking forwards to hearing from someone,
sincerely,
Steven Thauberger
-- 67.71.135.173
In Reply to: Kern Cliff Park Burlington posted by Guy Granka on June 26, 2004 at 06:55:14:
Could you post directions?
-- 69.157.0.154
This week at Kern Cliff Park in Burlington.
Black and Yellow Billed Cuckoo. Singing Vesper Sparrow,
Eastern towhee, indigo bunting,baltimore oriole, wax wings galore.Family of virgina rails. Young coming right out to edge of Marsh in plain view. rosebreasted grosebeaks and ruby Throated Humingbird.G.Granka
-- 64.231.218.47
In Reply to: black terns? posted by jeff groves on June 24, 2004 at 19:57:31:
At this time of year, you would have to look on or near breeding territory. I think the best place close to Toronto would be the Lake Scugog area. I remember seeing them at the Port Perry sewage lagoons (permit required) last summer. You can also get good views of the lake from Highway 7 where it crosses the lake just east of Port Perry.
The link below shows the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas results for southern Ontario. You can click on an area to enlarge that region.
BB
-- 204.50.208.4
In Reply to: Great Egret - Scarlett Woods GC - Wed Jun 23 posted by Frank Pinilla on June 23, 2004 at 11:27:31:
I saw a great Egret (same bird, perhaps?) just south of there, About 750 metres north of Old Mill. The bird was in the riffles, just downstream of the second weir, and it was fishing rather actively. it was the same day, my sighting was aprox. 13:30.
-- 216.208.58.188
In Reply to: baby oriole posted by Carla on June 25, 2004 at 09:42:09:
.
-- 216.208.58.188
In Reply to: baby oriole posted by Carla on June 25, 2004 at 09:42:09:
.
-- 216.208.58.188
We've had quite a treat the last few days, with the baby oriole right outside our kitchen window!
Check the 'reply' here for a shot I took last night from the porch.
-- 128.100.18.9
I just found this website so thought I'd post a sighting. I work in what's considered downtown Toronto (n. side of College St., just e. of St. George). There is a berry (mulberry?) tree outside my second floor window that is currently chock-full of berries. For the last few days, in addition to countless starlings and their young, there have been several cedar waxwings not ten feet from where I'm sitting. This morning there were three together. Yesterday it was two.
My wife and I regularly go to the Don Valley Brickworks (off Bayview Ave north of the Bloor Viaduct) to look for birds. It's a great spot.
-- 66.203.188.122
In Reply to: black terns? posted by jeff groves on June 24, 2004 at 19:57:31:
You could try the Wye Marsh located in Midland
-- 64.229.81.123
I was wondering if anyone know where i could see some black terns?
Jeff
-- 64.228.101.94
In Reply to: grossbeaks posted by Peter Granka on June 24, 2004 at 11:45:28:
Hi Peter,
Pine Grosbeaks will only be found in the winter in southern Ontario and even then only in occasional winters (they are an "irruptive" species) coming down from time to time based on food availability or lack thereof. At this time of year they will only be found in extreme north-western Ontario (near the Manitoba border and Hudson Bay).
Evening Grosbeaks can be found on the Canadian Shield (Haliburton, Muskoka and further north) most easily found at feeders but not an "easy" species by any means, can be tough at times. Best spot I can think of is the Algonquin Park feeders at the Visitor Centre (I had them there in late May) or at the West Gate on Hwy 60, but there are probably cottagers out there who have them coming to their feeders.
Hope this helps.
Regards & good birding,
Frank Pinilla
-- 66.185.85.75
In Reply to: Great Egret - Scarlett Woods GC - Wed Jun 23 posted by Frank Pinilla on June 23, 2004 at 11:27:31:
So much for "keeping your head down"!
DS
-- 66.203.188.159
I was wondering if its possible to see evening or pine grossbeaks this time of year.
-- 216.209.116.142
Hi. Please help me figure out what to do. A baby robin has hopped into my backyard and there are no parents to be found. I have been watching this baby for over two hours now and it just keeps cheeping. It has now stopped hopping around and is just sitting in the middle of my wide open back lawn. I am very afraid some of the neighbours' cats will get it. What should I do?
Thanks so much for any help....
-- 209.226.247.101
In Reply to: No hummers! posted by Anne in Stouffville on June 23, 2004 at 05:15:41:
We're just north of Woodstock, and our hummer traffic has slowed down a little bit over the past 2 weeks, but this is normal for our area. We still have both male and female showing up daily, but not as often as when they first arrive.
-- 64.228.53.46
In Reply to: Re: No hummers! posted by Cheryl on June 23, 2004 at 11:39:33:
Hi Anne,
I live on Bethesda Rd. just west of Stouffville and our hummer traffic is very irregular. A female might come daily but not often, We go through very little syrup. Al
-- 65.95.25.72
In Reply to: No hummers! posted by Anne in Stouffville on June 23, 2004 at 05:15:41:
Hi, Anne. I live in Kitchener. I have been wondering the same thing myself. Last year we had lots of hummers. This year I had a male at my feeders starting May 7 for about a week. After that I had no hummingbirds at all! I also clean out my three feeders every week. Now this week I have had a single female hummer at my feeder, but that is it! Strange, compared to last year when I was always refilling the feeders because they were being used so much.
-- 204.101.196.17
Hi All,
While enjoying an early morning 9-hole round of golf at Scarlett Woods Golf Course, southwest corner of Jane & Eglinton in Toronto, I had a Great Egret flying south following the basic line of the Humber River.
Regards, Frank Pinilla Thornhill, ON
-- 66.185.84.75
Hi everybody! We set out our hummer feeders in late April. We had lots of activity from May 7th until about 2 weeks ago. We have seen no hummer since. We have 7 feeders, and clean and refill them each week. Our neighbours have some, and we have lots of flowers and trees. We've always had hummers all summer, since we moved here 10 years ago. I wonder, is it because it's been so cool? Has anyone else experienced this?
-- 64.228.53.47
In Reply to: Bird House posted by Colin on June 21, 2004 at 18:04:47:
Colin, it's a good idea to clean out the house. The old nest material may harbour mites etc. Also, here's a tip for next year: add a couple of inches of wood chips before the chickadees start nesting. Al
-- 64.229.221.193
Early this spring I put up a birdhouse. A family of Chickadees soon occupied the house. They are now gone. My question is about next year. Should I clean out the nest for a new family next year, or leave it the way it is?
-- 207.139.2.228
In Reply to: Weekend sightings posted by Steve Budan on June 15, 2004 at 20:13:51:
Thanks Carla and David.
It was pretty cool.
My interests in birds has really been only the last 5 years or so. And that because we get some neat birds visiting our backyard and they slowly piqued our curiosity. No pictures of them yet, but I'm prepared now!
I've read interesting posts about the Leslie St. Spit. I've never been out there either. Maybe worth a visit soon.
-- 207.139.2.228
In Reply to: Re: Weekend sightings posted by Cheryl on June 16, 2004 at 18:54:53:
Hi Cheryl, it was fun, sorta came out of the blue. I never imagined Ajax to be a hotbed for wildlife. How little I know.
I use a Canon 10D and mostly a 300mm F4 lens.
Its fun but not as easy as I would like it to be. Plus I feel really self conscious walking around with a tripod and a large lens.
If you'd like more gory details/info send me an email.
some photo links:
http://www.vistek.ca/services/rental.asp
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/board/41
and my hero
Arthur Morris/Birds As Art
-- 64.10.124.208
In Reply to: Penquins in Toronto? posted by Greg on June 17, 2004 at 09:54:29:
Likely Longtailed Ducks..formely called Oldsquaw.
-- 209.117.152.19
I was attending a conference at the Westin Harbour (end of Yonge at the water). Friends took the Aqua-bus into the harbor. On the rocks going into the water was a bird that looked like a Penquin! Web-feet, black and white, roundish, short wings, etc. What is It? I am insured the siting was not induced by cocktails at lunch.
-- 65.95.24.199
In Reply to: Weekend sightings posted by Steve Budan on June 15, 2004 at 20:13:51:
Excellent photos, Steve. What kind of camera do you use? I am finding that my husband's digital camera doesn't take very good bird photos. I think I should buy one just for my bird pictures. Thank you for posting your sightings. I enjoyed your write-up.
-- 66.185.85.75
In Reply to: Re: Weekend sightings posted by Carla on June 16, 2004 at 10:59:47:
Nice pics, Steve. I especially like the cormorants.
D
-- 216.208.58.147
In Reply to: Weekend sightings posted by Steve Budan on June 15, 2004 at 20:13:51:
"Well you've all inspired me to give a report of some sightings this weekend. I don't consider my self a birder but here goes..."
LOL... well, for a non-birder, you sure had one great birding weekend! :-}
Excellent shots too, thanks for sharing those.
-- 207.139.2.228
Well you've all inspired me to give a report of some sightings this weekend. I don't consider my self a birder but here goes. I do like to take pictures of them. I wound up at the bottom of Harwood Ave. in Ajax, I've never been there before. I found a place to park, got my camera and started to walk towards the path. As I was walking there a Tern flew overhead, maybe 15-20 feet above, with a fish in its mouth. Hmmm this could be good I was thinking. During my stay, I saw several more Terns with fish, often being chased by Gulls and other Terns, and there was lots of noise. I saw three Killdeer in the grass, running about foraging and lots of "keeh keeh" it was inspiring. I saw a flock of Double Breasted Cormorants fly off towards the west following the shore of the lake. I also saw other unidentified flocks doing the same. There were many Terns flying back and forth along the shore. I saw a bird that kept flying loops from a hidden perch, out over the lake and back again, over and over. I later identified this bird from photos as a female Belted Kingfisher, this is the first sighting for me. Well it was now getting dark so I was determined to come back in at sunrise and see what I could see.
Getting up and to the park by 5:30 AM was no easy task for me, but it was worth it. The first thing that I saw was a pair of Common Loons off the shore. I've never seen a Loon before, common or otherwise. It was quite the thrill. I then spotted some Terns out for breakfast. I saw more Loons. There appeared to be small flocks of them flying very low over the water heading east towards the sun. I saw several more individuals and pairs. I then heard a strange sort of almost whirring sound. I look to see about a dozen or so Mute Swans flying west, pretty low over the water. They then landed briefly and about a minute later, took off again. I've seen swans before but not like this. The sound of their flight is quite something else. A passerby even commented about the magnificent sight. All this time there are Great Blue Heron's flying by in groups of two and three! Shortly after I saw the Kingfisher again, this time it turned out to be the male. It perched on a tree not too far away. A few minutes later another, I'm guessing male, flew towards it they the two began their territorial squawking. Very cool.
I drove over to the Ajax Rotary park and by Duffins creek saw a pair of Loons quite near the beach. I had no idea Loons hung out in Lake Ontario. I live near the lake and a few times, late in the evening, my wife and I would hear what sounded like a Loon, but we always dismissed it, thinking it can't be a Loon, were not in cottage country. Later in the day I returned with the family and that is when I took the picture of the Bonaparte's gull, mistaking it for a Tern at the time.
Every weekend should be like this! Happy birding.
-- 204.40.1.129
We saw a Mallard with her baby ducks several weeks ago along the creek behind our house. After the creek flooded badly last week we have seen the female without the babies. (Actually she sat on our lawn under our feeder for quite some time.) Is it possible they got washed away in the flood or otherwise taken? Would the mother be away from her young like that?
-- 66.185.85.75
In Reply to: Re: RFI is this a little gull - Nope its a Bonaparte's Gull posted by Steve Budan on June 13, 2004 at 18:29:32:
Steve wrote; "Brand me a newbie! It is my first siteing of Bonaparte's Gull".
Congrats! You're now ahead of about 98% of the population! :)
David
-- 207.139.2.226
In Reply to: Re: RFI is this a little gull? posted by Steve Budan on June 13, 2004 at 05:50:38:
Thanks to Garth and David, it is a Bonaparte's Gull. In fact looking at the link I posted, there are about 20 Boneparte's Gulls and two Ring Bill's. Brand me a newbie! It is my first siteing of Bonaparte's Gull.
-- 66.185.84.203
In Reply to: RFI is this a little gull? posted by S Budan on June 12, 2004 at 20:50:08:
Hi There;
Given the shape of the Hood,as it angles upward from the shoulders,I would think it was a Bonapartes Gull. I am not by anyway an expert on Gulls,but that would be my guess.
Cheer's Garth/Innisfil
-- 207.139.2.226
In Reply to: Re: RFI is this a little gull? posted by David Shilman on June 13, 2004 at 04:38:34:
Thanks for you quick reply.
The pictures were taken Saturday June 12, 2004 at about 3:00 PM at Ajax's Rotary Park. It is at the mouth of Duffin's Creek. I took the picture off the bridge that spans Duffin's creek, pointing towards the lake. On a nice Saturday this is a crowded spot. There were many people(a wedding too), gulls, canada geese, mallards, black birds at this spot. This was the only gull that I noticed that looked like this. In fact I mistook it for a Tern. I did see a couple of Terns(maybe same one several times). Only when I got home and looked at the pictures did I realize it was something else.
I only saw it walking around on the beach, so no flight shots. In total I have about 8 not so great pictures. Here is the back of the bird and a shot of the bird preening. Hope these pics provide more detail for IDing.
here is a link to an uncropped image, its large, about 1MB. Gull preening
ISO 100
Exp 1/800
F 5.6
135mm
-- 66.185.85.75
In Reply to: RFI is this a little gull? posted by S Budan on June 12, 2004 at 20:50:08:
Where was this photo taken? The eye-ring makes me think "Bonaparte's", but the real diagnostic feature is the underwing. It would be very dark (or black) in "Little". Did you get a look at that? (Did you take any other photos, esp. in flight?)
David
-- 207.139.2.226
I can't id this guy for sure.
-- 128.100.72.138
I got an email from someone who spotted a fledgling Kestrel in the King/Dufferin area. It is adjoining a demolition site and there is concern for the little guy's safety. My efforts to find someone to help have been futile. Does anyone have a contact or suggestions?
-- 24.42.163.230
In Reply to: Re: Cedar Waxwings posted by Carla on June 09, 2004 at 10:57:54:
Carla, nice shot. I just saw one of these yesterday in a Cedar. Didn't have the camera but nice to see your photo. :)
-- 65.93.26.251
In Reply to: Re: Cedar Waxwings posted by Carla on June 09, 2004 at 10:57:54:
Lovely photo, Carla. We don't have any Cedar Waxwings in our yard. Thanks for posting this.
-- 209.226.247.48
In Reply to: Cedar Waxwings posted by Carla on June 09, 2004 at 10:52:40:
2 days ago
-- 209.226.247.48
Lately we've had a large amount of waxwings in the yard, and at the pond. They're fairly docile, and allow us to get pretty close, for some great pictures. See the first reply for the picture I took 2 days ago.
-- 216.208.58.122
In Reply to: Hummers posted by Carla on June 04, 2004 at 12:46:26:
Male:
-- 216.208.58.122
In Reply to: Hummers posted by Carla on June 04, 2004 at 12:46:26:
Female this morning
-- 216.208.58.122
Been REAL busy at the feeders the last few days - we took quite a few pictures just this morning. Thought you all might enjoy.
-- 64.228.37.53
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Is this a snow goose? posted by DAVE on June 04, 2004 at 07:03:00:
Possibly, Dave. Or maybe it's father was a randy gander. Al
-- 204.101.196.17
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Is this a snow goose? posted by Al Johnston on June 03, 2004 at 16:37:13:
are you implying that this bird's mother was a loose goose?
-- 24.42.163.230
In Reply to: Re: Updated Gallery - Etobicoke Creek & Sam Smith posted by Kin Lau on June 03, 2004 at 10:23:08:
I too have the non IS 300mm. I added a 1.4x teleconverter but can only use it on bright days. The camera has really helped me with bird ID!
-- 64.228.47.39
In Reply to: RFI: Is this a snow goose? posted by Kin Lau on June 03, 2004 at 10:19:22:
Not a snow goose, Kin but I think you're right on with domestic/Canada goose hybrid. Nice pics, BTW. Al
-- 207.164.224.2
In Reply to: Re: Updated Gallery - Etobicoke Creek & Sam Smith posted by Mathew on June 02, 2004 at 05:51:25:
That's the same setup my wife & I have. We have the 75-300USM (non-IS), and it's great for birding. We're not that good at recognizing birds yet, so we take the picture, and then search the book(s).
-- 207.164.224.2
I saw this in Bluffer's Park in Scarborough, and the closest thing I can find in the books, is that it might either be an immature Blue Morph Snow Goose, or some domestic/Canada Goose hybrid.
http://www.blackphotocentre.com/blacks/control/photosite/gabe@blacks/view/show/frames?showcid=pr1038206930464&lang=EN
-- 24.42.163.230
In Reply to: Re: Updated Gallery - Etobicoke Creek & Sam Smith posted by Carla on June 02, 2004 at 05:15:46:
Hi Carla. Glad you like the pictures. I'm using a Canon Digital Rebel, which is a 6.3 megapixel digital that allows the use of additional lenses. Most of my pictures were taken with a 300mm Canon zoom. Without the zoom I'd never be able to get these. :)
-- 216.208.58.140
In Reply to: Re: Updated Gallery - Etobicoke Creek & Sam Smith posted by Mathew on June 01, 2004 at 07:13:56:
Those pictures are great!!
Curious, what kind of camera/lense do you use? I love to photograph birds & wildlife also, but my lenses aren't nearly as powerful as the one you're obviously using.
-- 24.42.163.230
In Reply to: Updated Gallery - Etobicoke Creek & Sam Smith posted by Mathew on June 01, 2004 at 07:13:01:
The link is:
http://www.asic.ca/gallery
-- 24.42.163.230
Hi all. I've updated my gallery with the birds I've seen in May. It's been an exciting month for birding and photography. Take a look when you have a chance!
-- 64.229.86.171
In Reply to: Re: clairville bird sightings posted by David Shilman on May 30, 2004 at 18:11:03:
Clairville is a conservation area in the Brampton area. It has entrances off highway 7 and off highway 50
-- 66.185.85.75
In Reply to: clairville bird sightings posted by Ian on May 30, 2004 at 15:56:23:
What's "clairville"?
-- 64.229.86.171
While walking through clairville today I happened to see the following birds,
Redtail Hawk, American Robin, American Goldfinch, Brownheaded Cowbird, Downy Woodpecker, Tree Swallow, Cardinal, Redwing Blackbird, Common Grackle, Yellow Warbler, Eastern Kingbird, Field Sparrow, Northern Oriole, House Wren, Phoebe, Song Sparrow, Blue Jay, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Meadowlark, Bobolink, Flicker, Rough-winged Swallow, Mallard, Yellowthroat, Turkey Vulture, Cedar Waxwing, Barn Swallow, Willow flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Spotted Sandpiper, Indigo Bunting, Catbird, Bluegrey Gnatcatcher, Bank Swallow, and a Marsh Hawk. Alot of these birds are nesting there. Yesterday along with the above I saw the Lincoln Sparrow and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Hairy Woodpecker. In the last week we have also seen the Red-bellied Woodpecker and Pileated Woodpecker there. Happy birding all.
-- 64.10.126.209
Saw right about 50 species today,including Canada,Magnolia and obviously nesting Yellow Warblers,a few American Redstarts in the Wet Woods near the base of the spit. There was a lone Whimbrel which was on the ground for several hours. A Great Egret was seen in back of the Tern Raft. Got great size perspective when a Common Tern stood beside a Caspian Tern. Several Dunlin and 2 Ruddy Turnstones were there as well. I saw 2 Brown Thrashers,a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak,an Ovenbird and a Red-eyed Vireo banded at the banding station.
-- 216.123.181.250
Sunday was warbler day at the Leslie Spit- saw several species including Wilson's, Chestnut-sided, Canada, Magnolia, Black and White, Blackpoll, Black-throated Blue, and Yellow, all along the path east of the turnabout. There were also four whimbrels and lots of dunlin in the mudflats.
-- 207.164.224.2
Last night at Rouge Beach, there was one adult Great Blue Heron, one American Bittern, and about 8 or 9 Black-crown Night-Herons, just off the beach on the sandbar.
Rouge Beach is in East Toronto, near Port Union & Lawrence.
-- 128.100.72.138
Sorry the board has been broken. I uploaded the wrong file. All is well again...
64.231.227.254
-- 64.231.227.254
In Reply to: Re: what is this bird posted by donnalyn M on May 25, 2004 at 13:33:43:
I see that you have already learned what they eat.
They are fairly common in southern Ontario and both their abundance and range have been steadily increasing for many years. Although they aren't typically a summer resident in Toronto, they can be conspicuous in spring & fall migration when singles or small flocks often soar just above the rooftops.
The link below shows the results from the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. Note all the yellow dots along the northern edge indicating range expansion.
BB
209.148.138.244
-- 209.148.138.244
I've seen many Turkey vultures recently near the Don Valley and i'm just wondering do they actually nest in the city or are they just migrating?
Same question for Bald Eagles.
Thanks
216.208.58.150
-- 216.208.58.150
In Reply to: Re: what is this bird posted by Donnalyn M on May 25, 2004 at 14:37:29:
Anytime you notice a bird sort of 'hovering' in the air, in a distinct V shape, that's a turkey vulture.
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Re: what is this bird posted by donnalyn M on May 25, 2004 at 13:33:43:
I looked on the web and turkey vulture is what it is!! I also now know that it eats carion. As I was searching, I looked out the window and there 'he' was with a mate! at least I think it was a mate the coloring was identical but the second bird was just slightly smaller. We've been in this house 13 years and this is the first time I've seen this bird. It is quite amazing as they are so large...my estimate of a 3' wing span was perhaps too small...make that at least 41/2 or 5'! Wonder how long they'll stay around
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
In Reply to: Re: what is this bird posted by Brian Bailey on May 25, 2004 at 12:52:37:
Thanks! That what my husband said...but I didn't think they were found in this area...What do they eat?
65.92.174.131
-- 65.92.174.131
In Reply to: what is this bird posted by Donnalyn M on May 25, 2004 at 12:13:58:
It sounds like you are describing a Turkey Vulture.
(The name comes from their appearance, not their diet.)
BB
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
have seen 'him' twice in last month...bayview/Lawrence area. Very large - 3'wing span...brown feathers, very red head and neck, curved yellowish beak. Head looks a bit like a turkey. Quite unusual
69.158.20.109
-- 69.158.20.109
The strong winds this afternoon seemed to have blown most migrants away, but the woods had one each of Magnolia and Mourning warbler, Warbling and Red-eyed vireo, all close to the stream. Kildeer had a couple of chicks just west of the woods.
Colonel Sam Smith Park is at the foot of Kipling Av. The woods are between the 2 parking lots.
24.89.26.56
-- 24.89.26.56
In Reply to: Grackle problem posted by colleen on May 09, 2003 at 17:31:00:
I know this is a year later. We just moved into a home with an inground swimming pool, and were having the same problem. I read that none of the plastic animals (ie. owls, snakes, hawks, etc.) work to deter grackles. My grackles came as soon as I put out a bird feeder with sunflower seed in it to attract jays and cardinals. Before I realized what I had done, the grackles had already roosted. Removing the feeders didn't work. However, I found something called the BIRDGARD PRO PLUS, which is an electronic device with digitally recorded bird distress sounds and predator calls. It cost me $285 with shipping, and is loud to listen too. But it is saving my pool. I would recommend getting one, and placing it out early (as soon as you open the pool, before they have a chance to nest). It is likely they won't nest in the area, and you should be in good shape. Just look for it on the internet (there are many places that sell them - they are used in vinyards and airports to deter nuisance birds).
64.10.126.198
-- 64.10.126.198
Had a terrific day at "The Spit". The "Wet Woods" was alive with sound and life,if U had patience. Northern Parula,Yellow,Blackpoll,Canada,Tennesee and a beautiful male Blackburnian Warblers were seen. Warbling and Red-eyed Vierios were plentiful. Alder and Willow Flycatcher were there.A Northern Waterthrush was elusive. In the area of the new mudflats(where the road splits) was a pair of Ruddy Turnstones,many Dunlin,Semi-palmated Plovers and Sandpipers,8 Whimbrel were on the ground,eventually taking flight. A group of 70 were spotted by others later. A lone Lapland Longspur and an American Pipet were near a big mud pile. As we left to go home through the "Wet Woods" again,we spotted 2 male Bobolinks. In total there was in excess of 60 species seen by myself,with aid from several folks who teamed up during the day.
216.208.58.138
-- 216.208.58.138
In Reply to: Re: Abundance of birds posted by Lloyd on May 21, 2004 at 20:15:06:
Hi Lloyd,
I must say, I'm envious :-) We've been wanting to go to Point Pelee for some time, but have not yet had the opportunity. Maybe someday we'll get down there.
This is only the second time we've seen a Scarlet Tanager, last May being the first. He was here for 1 day last May, and 1 day this May.
The small flock of crossbills at the pond today was quite exciting, we'd never even seen any until last week, when we had a pair here for the day. The flock came back several times today, so that was quite a treat. I'll upload more pictures of our yard birds, as soon as I'm able.
Happy Birding!
Carla - Tavistock Area
69.158.79.128
-- 69.158.79.128
In Reply to: Abundance of birds posted by Carla on May 21, 2004 at 16:37:05:
Hi Carla; It's great to hear you're having so many feathered visitors. My wife and I just returned from our annual weekend trip to Point Pelee National Park near Leamington, Ontario. Among the many species of migrating birds we saw was one of my favorites, the Scarlet Tanager. This year, without question, was my most stunning view of this wonderfully colored bird. I swear, not ten feet away perched on a branch and defiantly not moving for me or anyone else, was this most beautiful bird. We were also lucky to spot an orange variant later that weekend. Happy birding!
38.112.105.123
-- 38.112.105.123
In Reply to: Turkey Vulture - May 2nd, 2004 posted by kathy ryan on May 03, 2004 at 12:48:39:
I work at Yonge and St. Clair and just saw at least ELEVEN turkey vultures circling over the neighbourhood. I just stood there with my mouth open, staring at them until they moved off, having scared the bajeezus out of the local pigeons!
216.208.58.138
-- 216.208.58.138
In Reply to: Abundance of birds posted by Carla on May 21, 2004 at 16:37:05:
Scarlet Tanager
216.208.58.138
-- 216.208.58.138
Over the past week or so, our yard has just been a flurry of activity. Here are some of the birds we've seen:
Flock (at least 10, maybe more) of white-winged crossbills (today at the pond), cedar waxwings, male and female ruby throated hummers, song sparrows, fox sparrow, eastern bluebird, eastern meadowlark. Below is a picture I was able to get of the Scarlet Tanager last week.
207.164.128.138
-- 207.164.128.138
In Reply to: Re: Annoying Bird posted by Garth N. Baker on May 20, 2004 at 08:32:09:
THANKS GARTH!!!! Great solution to a problem we all must encounter. It's one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" solutions.
Kirk
64.228.47.81
-- 64.228.47.81
In Reply to: Re: Bird Droppings in Pool posted by dave on May 21, 2004 at 10:03:52:
Dave, my experience with plastic owls is that the birds treat them just like a part of the scenery once they get used to them but I really like your "freshly washed car" suggestion
In Reply to: Bird Droppings in Pool posted by Marian Lee on May 20, 2004 at 16:21:46:
You might want to try plastic owls that can be purchased at hardware stores. Also check to see if there are any branches, wires or anything else that the birds can perch on near the pool. Failing that park your freshly washed car nearby as that seems like a favourite target for our feathered friends.
In Reply to: Bird Droppings in Pool posted by Marian Lee on May 20, 2004 at 16:21:46:
Hi Marion: I don't think there is much that you can do about this.Quite often Parent Birds will carry the Fecal Sacs and drop them far from their nest and often over water.I believe that this is to cover any odor that might suggest to a Predator(ie Raccoon)that there is a nest nearby.
If it is just the abundance of Birds in the Neighborhood,than you will just have to wait it out,until they move on. Cheer's Garth/Innisfil
In Reply to: Odd hybrid or mutation of red-breasted grosbeak? posted by ZooGirl on May 20, 2004 at 14:04:54:
It may just be that the bird is an immature male. If you look up the picture you may see that the young male is different from the spring adult.
I am experiencing a nasty dose of bird droppings on my solar blanket and pool deck everyday. This year, there seems to be so many more birds in the neighbourhood (Richmond Hill, ON). I have never encountered this problem before. Is there anything I can do to redirect the birds somewhere else? Would it help if I kept the solar blanket off the pool so there isn't a landing pad, per se, for the birds? Your input would be greatly appreciated!!!
Hi,
This is my second year birding the rouge valley (including the toronto zoo property) and I feel pretty comfortable with the area, and the birds within. However this year (and once last year) I've come across what looks like a juvenile male red-breasted grosbeak, BUT additional to the 'regular' features, it has a yellow kinda sliver of a cap on its head, similar to that seen on a golden-crowned kinglet. This bird is really confusing me. I'd normally pin it down to human error, but this is the second time now I've seen this bird, and it makes no sense...does anyone have any ideas of what bird it is, or whether its a mutation/hybrid?
In Reply to: Annoying Bird posted by Marc on May 19, 2004 at 15:34:02:
Hi Marc; I had a similar problem last year with Grackles and Blue Jays.I bought some mesh Screen(1/2 in. holes ) at the Hardware Store and cut it to fit over the Trough of my Feeders.I then stapled it into position.This did not stop Birds from Picking Seed out,but did stop them from Raking the Seed out.
After a short while the Blackbirds seemed to give up all together and feed off the Ground.
This year I elected to feed only Black-oil Sunflower in Feeders and Mixed Seed on the Ground.I had nowhere near the mess as the year before as I controlled the amount of Seed on the Ground, and had a far better showing of Ground feeding Birds also. Cheer's Garth/Innisfil
In Reply to: summer birding posted by John Vooys on May 18, 2004 at 00:47:59:
Hi John, Unfortunately some of those species are not exactly common even in the east. Specifically, Red-headed Woodpecker and Sedge Wren are quite uncommon, and Eastern Screech Owl, though relatively well distributed, is hard to see (like most owls). I'd recommend you pick up an Ontario Road Atlas (published by MapArt for around $20, and widely available). It will help you easily find the locations below, as well as to navigate other backroads on your own without worry of getting lost. A few good spots to try: Long Point area, especially Backus Woods. Potential for Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpecker, warblers including Hooded, Chestnut-sided, Black-and-white, etc. Carden Plain, northeast of Toronto - specifically, along the roads just north of Kirkfield. Great for grassland species such as Cuckoo, Upland Sandpiper, and even Loggerhead Shrike; Sedge Wren and Red-headed Woodpecker also possible, with Pewee, Wood Thrush, and Hummingbird also occurring in the more wooded areas. Opinicon Road, north of Kingston. Great mix of woods and open areas - common warblers include Black-throated Blue, Cerulean, Golden-winged, and many others; both cuckoos; probably the best spot for Yellow-throated Vireo; also Indigo Bunting, Scarlet Tanager, Field Sparrow, etc. Of course, as you know all of these would be easier to find in May than June, but you'll still be well within the breeding season and there should be a reasonable amount of activity at least in the early mornings. Good birding! Marcel Gahbauer
Anyone have an answer for this....I have a simple seedbin style birdfeeder in my yard. I've noticed what I believe to be a Common Grackle pushing seed out of the feeder until he gets the seed he is looking for. After a few weeks of this I estimate that about one third to one half of the bird seed is ending up on the ground each time I fill it. Good for the squirrels, but not for some types of birds which is what the feeder is for. I don't want to change the feeder (I'm not that into bird watching yet) or the seed as a lot of other birds seem to enjoy both the feeder and the seed. Any ideas as to how to stop this problem? Thanks for any tips.
My wife and I are relatively new to bird watching, but we enjoy it a lot. On Saturday we were on the Leslie St. Spit and saw a variety of species: yellow warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, catbird, long-tailed ducks, buffleheads, double breasted comorants, baltimore orioles, barn swallows, tree swallows, common terns, eastern kingbirds, and so on. Great place to go for those who haven't been there. On Sunday we were hiking further north, near Burk's Falls (north of Huntsville). Many of the birds were harder to spot or didn't have the patience to stick around long enough for us to get a good look. But we did manage to ID a few new ones for us, including the black-throated blue warbler, American redstart, and what we are pretty sure was a black and white warbler. We also noted something interesting on the 401 near the 400. A crow was harassing a redtailed hawk, perched on a light pole. The crow did all kinds of acrobatic dives, nearly hitting the hawk at times. The hawk stayed put throughout. This hawk may favour this particular area, despite the traffic. I have previously observed a redtailed hawk standing on the highway with a pigeon kill, as lanes of traffic pass on either side.
In Reply to: Odd Falconiformes sighting posted by James on May 01, 2004 at 13:26:22:
I work on the top (17th) floor of an office building at 427 and Dundas. We've seen several large birds, black underneath that dark golden brown on their backs, with red beaks and feet, but black feathers on their heads. They regularly swoop past our windows and land above us on the roof, but I've only seen them in flight. Would this be the description of a Turkey Vulture?
In Reply to: Eastern Meadowlark posted by H. Denov on May 17, 2004 at 18:26:10:
Hello, It's quite possible you saw Meadowlarks there...They may have just been stopped over on the way through the city, but it was a great find nonetheless! That area has some great birds...there's at least one red-tailed Hawk that has been hanging out there since March, and you can sometimes spot the odd Kestrel. But Meadowlarks are great! Good Call,
OutdoorDan
i am going to be moving to mimico 3 blocks from the lake in october and am an avid birder . any help with types of birds i should or could expect at my feeders . how many feeders should i have ?? the best food for winter birds?? any suggestions would be appreciated.
Hi fellow birders. I am in Ontario for a conference in early July and am adding some time before that to bird in S. Ont. generally between Long Point and Ottawa. I arrive in Toronto on June 24 and have to be in Ottawa on the 30th. I know this is not the best time for birding, but that is when I am there! Could any of you suggest spots I should visit to get some of the resident/breeding birds? I have not birded east of s. Manitoba so many common(?) eastern species would be new for me, such as Sedge Wren, Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Screech Owl, BB Cuckoo, Eastern Wood Pewee, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Wood Thrush, Yellow-throated Vireo and some of the eastern warblers and sparrows. Thanks for any suggestions. Happy birding, John Vooys, Abbotsford, BC.
In Reply to: Re: Scarborough Bluffs/Rosetta McClain Gardens posted by BIGFRANK on May 17, 2004 at 20:43:02:
...and if you walk out the west end of the park, along the street for about a block to another parkette, it too, can be quite productive. Many lakeside parkettes and small woodlots can be surprisingly "birdy" during migration. See what the non-birders miss? :) D
In Reply to: Scarborough Bluffs/Rosetta McClain Gardens posted by Charles Caty on May 17, 2004 at 17:54:17:
I visit often..saw 3 catbirds in one tree the other day. Seen 12 kinds of warblers this season,Scarlet Tanager,Oriole,Ovenbird among others.In the past year Ive seen over 125 species either in the park,flying by or in the lake.
In Reply to: Re: Whats this Tiny Blue Birds Name? posted by Anne in Stouffville on May 17, 2004 at 16:11:43:
Hi Ann ,I was happy to hear from you! Im just north west of you in Lefroy ,just south of Barrie and east of Churchill,on the west side of Lake Simcoe.I was delighted to see the tiny blue bird again this yr!
At app. 7am this morning, I can't be sure as I was in a moving vehicle, but I believe I saw some Eastern Meadowlarks on Transit Rd (connects the Allen Rd with Wilson Heights at south end of Downsview Airport).
In Reply to: ID help please posted by Ramona Shields on May 03, 2004 at 20:34:07:
we have many of these birds in our backyard. they are white crowned sparrows. almost always eating off ground
more birds to report! fascinating colony of bank swallows at the Scarborough Bluffs directly below Rosetta McClain Gardens - there is a road/pathway (no cars) down to the lakeshore, east of the gardens, then a rough path along the lake... dozens of swallows flying and swooping around... saw an eastern kingbird quietly watching the whole scene, perched in a shrub. Up above the bluffs in a bush by the cliff's edge, first I heard then was surprised to see a gray catbird, meowing and singing away. Also saw at least 6 cardinals, M & F. Beautiful flowers & trees in the gardens too. For those who don't know the location, it's south off Kingston Rd, east of Birchmount Rd. in Scarborough.
In Reply to: Re: Whats this Tiny Blue Birds Name? posted by patty on May 16, 2004 at 20:17:13:
Patty, how lucky you are. I've only seen one once. Please tell me what area you are in.
In Reply to: Here is the picture of the Orange + Black bird posted by Patty on May 16, 2004 at 20:23:59:
Great shot of the Oriole :-) That's the female, by the way, the male is a BRIGHT orange, with deep black. Thanks for sharing the picture, and the one of the Indigo Bunting as well.
I posted about a Orange and Black bird and i got feedback that it was an Oreal so I thought Id put the orange halfs out and they love them! Thanks for letting me know that Info! Here is a picture of them eating!
In Reply to: Re: Whats this Tiny Blue Birds Name? posted by Al Johnston on May 16, 2004 at 20:10:18:
Thanks Al Wow !
In Reply to: Whats this Tiny Blue Birds Name? posted by Patty on May 16, 2004 at 19:59:38:
Indigo bunting. Thanks for sharing, Patty.
Al
Hello! Well last yr I saw this tiny blue bird in my back yard only once.Then this yr Iv seen it a few times now and id like to know what it is? Its small like a gold finch maybe a bit fatter,any ideas?
If you are up near Cobden, Ontario, today May 16, 2004 a Sandhill Crane was around the Snake River Marsh area, along with a beautful Ruff just north of Cobden. There has been a Great Egret around to.There are many shorebirds, warblers and Upland Sandpipers all over the place.
In Reply to: what kind of bird is this posted by Keith on May 16, 2004 at 09:07:23:
It sounds like a rose breasted grosbeak. If the image url below doens't work, let me know.
We have a pair of birds at our feeder that are about the size of a robin. They are mostly black on top with bits of white. They have a white belly with a wide patch of orange in the middle tappering to a point underneath. If anyone wants a photo to help me I can email a photo. Thanks,
Keith
excellent birdwatching today at the Leslie St Spit!
lots of people down there today for the bird banding demos & guided tours... some Magnolia Warblers & Swainson's Thrush were caught & tagged & released at the banding station. One little Magnolia Warbler weighed 8.8 grams! In the same area saw gorgeous Scarlet Tanager, lots of Orioles (male & female), Yellow Warblers, Goldfinches (M & F), Song Sparrows, Barn & Tree Swallows (several using the nest boxes). Saw a coyote too. Also the Black-crown Heron colonies are phenomenal! Dozens of nesting pairs in the trees & hundreds of cormorants too. Well worth the trip today.
In Reply to: Id this bird please! posted by Stephen McAllister on May 11, 2004 at 12:12:27:
Although the picture is quite blury, it looks much larger than a wild turkey. Observing the size of the bird it is possible that it is a sandhill crane.
In Reply to: New Birdwatcher posted by Marc on May 05, 2004 at 16:31:26:
Welcome to the area,I hope you will enjoy it.As for birding I am also a novice, my advice keep your eye on the sky, always carry binoculars or have them close. Good luck.
spotted in my area I have seen many brightly coloured Baltimore Orioles. At least twice as many as last year. A pleasure to see & to hear.
Paris Ont
I'm coming in to Toronto area 16 may through 20 may
Would like evening ideas from hotel @ airport I have a car
Thanks
1st of the year for me - a blackpoll warbler, usually the latest of the commoner warblers, was heard just west of Kingston Rd on Dundas St at 6:45am today. It will probably have moved north by now through the Edgewood ravine into the Norway Cemetery off Kingston Rd at Woodbine Av.
In Reply to: Loons! posted by dave on May 13, 2004 at 10:15:42:
I was outside in a foggy Port Credit this morning and I could hear but not see a loon's call
Good day for birding in the yard! :-) Male and female Indigo Buntings, Yellow Warbler, and the Eastern Kingbird all in the yard today. Happy Birding!
Carla,
Tavistock Area
I observed over 40 Loons flying north this morning while waiting for the train at the Rouge Hills GO station in Scarborough. Over the last few days, I usually spotted 1 or 2 a day, so seeing this many was great.
We had a number of various warblers in our back yard on Monday and Tuesday. Lots of Yellow rumped, Chestnut sided, Black-throated blue,and others, eating insects flying about the plum tree
A real treat this morning, looking up into the chestnut tree, seeing both the male and female Scarlet Tanagers. They were here for quite some time, and we were able to get some pictures, so I'll be posting them asap. Happy Birding,
Carla
Tavistock Area
Counted 41 species today throughout the park. Great Egret, Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Nashville, Yellow-Rumped, Yellow, Chestnut-Sided, Black-Throated Green, Magnolia warblers, Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers, Red-eyed and warbling vireos, pair of Wood Ducks, Wood Thrush, Red breasted Nuthatch, among others.
In Reply to: baltimore oreal posted by Patty on May 11, 2004 at 19:03:54:
It sure sounds like an oriole to me - but orioles are a little smaller than a robin. The ones we have in the yard tend to hover around the hummingbird feeders from time to time as well. We cut an orange in half, and stick it onto the tree, and they love it.
In Reply to: baltimore oreal posted by Patty on May 11, 2004 at 19:03:54:
Sure sounds like a Baltimore Oriole by your description of it's appearance AND behaviour. They are nectar eaters! D
Id like to know if this is a baltimore oreal ! I just saw tonight a bird that was all orange with black wings! it was checking out my humming bird feeder and by the time I got my camera out of the case to flew off! it was about the size of a robin id say...So what do you think!
In Reply to: Re: Id this bird please! posted by Pat Hodgson on May 11, 2004 at 16:01:06:
That would be my vote too, Stephen.
Al
In Reply to: Id this bird please! posted by Stephen McAllister on May 11, 2004 at 12:12:27:
Looks like a wild turkey
Hi, In the rouge yesterday I came across this big fellah, but I don't have a clue what he is.. any help would be appreciated :) http://members.rogers.com/stir-fry/images/wildbird.jpg http://members.rogers.com/stir-fry/images/wildbird2.jpg
There were tons (well hundreds) of Yellow-rumped Warblers and a good variety of other songbirds at Rhododendren Park on the Lakeshore west of Mississauga Road this morning May 11. I would imagine it's similar at a lot of other places. Mark Cranford
Kayaking on the Humber river, Sunday, we saw a Great Egret at the second marsh, adjacent to the cormorant colony. This is the third or forth year for sighting this species on the Humber. They can be found on the lower Humber, at the High Park ponds and over at Humber Bay East; the latter is a good spot early in the morning.
Well the nesting Canada Goose in the Willow tree at Edward's Gardens has got its young out of the tree today. 5 little goslings got out of the tree from about 8 ft. with no problem at all. I was at work at Edward's Gardens when it happened but did not see them come down anyway all are well and are hanging out around the creek and pond at the park. Too bad I missed them coming down I looked at the nest about a half hour before and could see the young under the female goose and about a half hour later somebody came and told me they were out of the tree. One of these years I will get pictures of them getting out of the tree maybe next year.
Come see the new family at Edwards Gardens at Lawrence and Leslie
Kevin
As with so many locations today, there was a wonderful warbler fallout at the Toronto Necropolis, and a few at the Farm as well. The highlight was the Cape May Warbler, which was still present at 7:30 p.m. today, along the north fence of the Necropolis, west of the memorial plaque which you can see as you enter. 3 of us had good looks. Another birder, John, said he saw one in the valley area for scattering ashes, which is marked with a sign and is east of the opening. Also present were: Nashville, Northern Parula (which I missed but Rod saw), Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Palm, Bay-breasted, Black-and-White, Ovenbird (2!), Northern Waterthrush (in the Riverdale Farm, by the lower Sanctuary pond -- there's been one there almost daily), Canada Warbler. I missed the resident male Common Yellowthroat today. Also around, a pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers flew right through and disappeared into the back of the Nec. They may be refound over the next few days as they commonly visit the Necropolis in early spring before moving on. They used to nest there. At least 2 Veery, 1 Gray-cheeked Thrush, several Swainson's, a pair of Brown Thrashers, a House Wren looking to set up shop in a pile of bricks in a backyard at the top of the Scattering Hill, a Blue-headed Vireo, several Warbling Vireos, at least one Blue-gray Gnatcatcher has been around the upper pond in the Riverdale Farm. Many Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. One or two Black-crowned Night Herons can be seen most days in the lower Sanctuary Pond. A Lincoln's Sparrow may have been present in the Necropolis but I only got a fleeting glance. That should be enough, don't you think? Good birding.
In Reply to: Worm-eating warbler Toronto Necropolis posted by Bob Kortright on May 10, 2004 at 12:33:02:
Thank you for posting this message. Intrigued at the possibility I spent about 5 hours birding in the Necropolis and Riverdale Farm, but no luck with the Worm-eating Warbler. I've never seen one there in 13 years so it would have been lovely. 15 other warbler species though which I will post in a separate note.
Lots of Birds in Ravine at Coxwell and Gerrard. Access from Upper Gerrard, Gainsborough Rd. or Hollywood. Eastend Toronto.
Saw: Red Eye Vireo, Wood Thrush, Blackburnian, Magnolia, Black Throated Blue and Green,Black And White, Redstart, Yellow Rump, Yellow, My fav...Canada,and maybe a Palm. Also have 4 males and 2 female Northern Oriole,s and 3 male and 1 female Rose Brested Grosbeak at my feeders. May 10 04
In Reply to: RFI on Raptors posted by Cam Lockerbie on May 07, 2004 at 17:12:42:
Hi Cam, It's late for Red-tailed Hawks to be courting, what you saw was just raptors soaring on a thermal of air and they happened to be 2 Red-tails. They can soar for a long time without flapping in a thermal. Most raptors don't mind sharing this free ride. Hope this helps, DL
Sorry for the late post, but until this morning, I just knew I had heard an unfamiliar bird about 2pm yesterday in the Toronto Necropolis. This morning, I did the Pelee Warbler quiz in my Birds of N. America CD - the worm-eating warbler song there is exactly what I heard. Unfortunately, I was not able to take the time to see the bird. Immediately to the south in Riverdale farm, I saw Northern Waterthrush in the first pond and Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Yellow and Nashville warblers close by. Directions:
The Necropolis is open from about 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. To reach the Necropolis and Riverdale Farm, take Parliament Street north from Carlton or south from Bloor to Winchester Street. Drive east along Winchester to the very end and park on the north side of the street or in the Necropolis itself (please pull off to the side to let other cars pass if parking in the Necropolis). Riverdale Farm is just to the south of the Necropolis.
Another warbler to report in my backyard in downtown Toronto - a beautiful male bay-breasted this morning.
It's been a good weekend :-) The Baltimore Orioles have returned, as well as the hummingbirds. We also have a red-bellied woodpecker hanging around the last couple days. Happy Birding, Carla, Tavistock Area
In Reply to: Re: rfi red throated dull white chest b&w wings posted by Jim on May 09, 2004 at 11:47:47:
Google has a good image library. Go to www.google.com. Click on images, then type rose-breasted grosbeak into the search box. I think you've found your bird. D
In Reply to: PBC Trip Report for May 08,'04 - Thickson's Woods & Second Marsh posted by B. Griffin on May 09, 2004 at 08:31:26:
CORRECTION: Please note in the above posting that it should read Golden-winged Warbler and NOT Golden-crowned Warbler. I guess I was day-dreaming about south Texas when I wrote that report! Brete
In Reply to: rfi red throated dull white chest b&w wings posted by Paul on May 09, 2004 at 10:53:31:
If you have access to a bird ID guide, take a look at Rose-breasted Grosbeak. If not, go to the internet search of your choice and call it up. Most sites will have photos.
Good morning. Can someone please help me? I have been looking for 2 days to identify these 2 birds(male and female). The male has a red throat(triangle pointing down(large triangle) on an off white chest with blackish brown wings with white flecks...the female is a duller chest with the same wings...they had a slightly hooked beak and are about the size of a robin...
Fourteen members of the PBC met early yesterday at Thickson’s Woods and were not disappointed. We got several new warbler species here for the spring season so far including Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian, Nashville and Black-throated Blue Warblers. Most birds were in full song and it was an enjoyable challenge trying to separate and identify all species heard by their vocalizations. Other good birds found here this morning included two Great Horned Owls (adult and fledgling), Scarlet Tanager, Great-crested Flycatcher, and a Wood Thrush. A few birders in the group may have caught a brief glimpse of a Golden-crowned Warbler. We literally had to tear ourselves away from Thickson’s to meet some folks at the edge of Darlington Prov. Park later in the morning. Hopefully the “open woods” day (or Breakfast and Bobolinks) held at Thickson’s was a great success! Darlington was relatively quiet so we moved a little further west to the north viewing platform at Second Marsh. The best bird of this visit was easily the Peregrine Falcon that was sitting on a horizontal (or lying flat) log out on the mudflats of the marsh near the SW corner. It sat there for at least 30 minutes while we were on the platform, looking around and preening on occasion. There were a few dozen Common Terns seen as well as some Yellowlegs and Killdeer at a great distance out in the marsh mudflats. Warblers seen and/or heard here included Yellow, Chestnut-sided, and Common Yellowthroat. Must of the waterfowl observed here were Green-winged-Teal with smaller numbers of Blue-winged Teal. A few Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Mallards and Black Ducks were also recorded. A Veery and a Lincoln’s Sparrow were later seen along the trail on the ground near the shrubbery during the walk back to the parking area. From here we moved to the west side of Second Marsh and crossed the footbridge over into the area with large willow trees just before the Ghost Woods section of the marsh. Near the bridge we found a Green Heron and two Spotted Sandpipers. A little further along we heard a Warbling Vireo, saw three Black-crowned Night Herons and observed a close fly-past of two tagged and very vocal Trumpeter Swans. Several Swamp Sparrows were actively chasing one another around the fringes of the marsh. We encountered a wave of warblers on the way back to the road which were mostly Yellow-rumped but a lucky few saw the first Magnolia Warbler of the year for our group. After a quick break we stopped at Lynde Shores but only managed to cover the bird feeder trail before we were pre-empted by rain at about 130pm. We still managed good views of both White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows, a Warbling Vireo, and another singing male Blackburnian Warbler before we called it a day. In total we had 15 different warbler species for the day and added 12 new species to the year list total which now stands at 164. Next weekend is the Baillie Birdathon at Long Point so be sure to get your rest in this week! _______________________________________________________ Brete Griffin - breteg@yahoo.ca Peel Birding Class - peelbirding@yahoo.ca http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/ and http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
This morning, while preparing for a lacrosse game, I flushed a Sora on the east side of Upper Canada College. It went up into the tree and I lost it from there. It was right on the fence line that runs along Oriole Pkwy. Upper Canada College is located north of St Clair Ave on Avenue Road. Max
While birding the Toronto Necropolis and Riverdale Farm on Friday, both myself and Marilyn Murphy independently found a Clay-coloured Sparrow, then found each other later in the afternoon, birded together and relocated the bird again just before 6 p.m. The Necropolis is open from about 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Also about 8 species of warblers between the Farm and the Necropolis. The birding was quite good late in the afternoon. The bird may still be there by Saturday. Directions: To reach the Necropolis and the Riverdale Farm, in Toronto, take Parliament Street north from the Lakeshore Blvd. etc. to Winchester Street. Drive east along Winchester Street to the very end and park on the north side of the street or in the Necropolis itself (please pull off to the side to let other cars pass if parking in the Necropolis). The Riverdale Farm is just to the south of the Necropolis. The Clay-coloured sparrow was foraging on the ground on its own on both sides of the main entry driveway in the Necropolis. Walk in only a few yards and try the section to your left from the Chapel to Winchester Street or to the right of the driveway all the way along and past the garden shed area. The bird was seen in both areas.
In Reply to: Re: White winged Crossbills posted by David Shilman on May 07, 2004 at 17:30:45:
Hi David, sorry about that, I realized after I posted I didn't give my location. We're at the very north end of Oxford county, bordering on the Perth county border, near Tavistock. Happy Birding,
Carla
In Reply to: White winged Crossbills posted by Carla on May 06, 2004 at 18:08:52:
I don't need the exact address, but a general location would be interesting! ;-)
On Wednesday, I watched a pair of what I took to be Red Tailed Hawks circling over a wooded area about 1 KM north of the Old Mill subway, on the path that goes up the river. Two days later, I was another pair doing the same thing over the woods at Todd Morden Mills. Were these a mating, or soon to mating, pair of birds? They didn't seem to be agressive, and didn't look like they were trying to carve out any territory.
Kitchener: My family and I have been on a "hummer watch" all week, since the hummingbirds arrived in our yard last year between May 7 and 9. Lo and behold, I saw a male ruby-throated hummingbird for the first time today. He was visiting our feeders at about 1:30 this afternoon.
Saw a lovely male black-throated blue warbler hopping around the branches of the ash tree in my backyard in downtown Toronto today. Don't know why but warblers seem to love this tree every spring - maybe it has lots of little bugs in it.
Just after dinner tonight my husband and I were sitting on the deck, when a male and female white winged crossbill came and landed on a branch that hangs over the pond. This was a real treat for us, we've never seen them before today. :-)
In Reply to: New Birdwatcher posted by Marc on May 05, 2004 at 16:31:26:
TRY THIS WEB SITE http://www.globalbirdphotos.com/index.html Norm
At 12:40 this afternoon I observed a Sandhill Crane flying over Upper Canada College at St. Clair and Avenue Rd, in Toronto. It was not particularly high up and it was heading due west. Upper Canada College is located just north of St Clair on Avenue road in midtown Toronto. Max Perren
Upper Canada College
Toronto
In Reply to: New Birdwatcher posted by Marc on May 05, 2004 at 16:31:26:
Try the Royal Ontario Museum's biodiversity pages: http://www.rom.on.ca/ontario/index.php The pages include sounds for some species.
On May 5th at about 4:15pm there was an immature(?)male Harlequin Duck in the pond with a boardwalk along its centre. It's on the left when driving from the Lakeshore/Park Lawn entrance to the parking lot. The bird was in company with a pair of Buffleheads.
In Reply to: New Birdwatcher posted by Marc on May 05, 2004 at 16:31:26:
I have quite a few pictures of the birds in our area, that I've taken in the last few years. My site for bird pics is here: http://members19.clubphoto.com/carla801959/1988766/guest.phtml
In Reply to: Caspian terns --- Whitchurch-Stouffville posted by Al Johnston on May 05, 2004 at 17:11:37:
Hi Al; Caspians at the Holland Marsh today , and the first Purple Martins of the year as well.Also a Cliff Swallow in a sea of Tree and Barn Swallows.Lots of other stuff,reported on the Simcoe Nature Board.
The Swan is going to Guelph this weekend for Investigation.Thanks for your help. Cheer's Garth/Innisfil
Two caspian terns over the pond this afternoon. What an awful squawk they make. One dove in and came up with a small fish. Also see coopers and broad-winged hawks (you know you're going to see one before you look up because of the chatter the tree swallows set up). GB herons and a turkey vulture not 50' up. Love to see a purple martin. Great birding everyone. Al
Bird Sounds Workshop
Wednesday, May 26 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This workshop will start off with an early morning Arboretum hike to get
you tuned in to bird sounds. Participants will learn how to develop
their listening skills to identify that bird "way up there behind all
those leaves.” A variety of techniques will be used to help you
describe and remember the different songs and calls of birds such as
flycatchers, vireos, thrushes and woodpeckers. An information booklet
and study tape will be provided. Fee: $50.00. Registration and payment required by Wednesday, May 12.
To register, call 519-824-4120 ext. 52358 or e-mail arbor@uoguelph.ca.
In Reply to: New Birdwatcher posted by Marc on May 05, 2004 at 16:31:26:
Hi Marc I just posted a bird workshop on this site today and I noticed your message. Just thought I'd send you the link to our new Web site. You'll have to come visit The Arboretum! Our Interpretive Naturalist, Chris Earley, specializes in birds and has penned a few books on Hawks & Owls and Warblers. He also teaches various workshops here at The Arboretum. Here's our Web site http://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum
Housing Cavity-Nesting Birds Workshop
At The Arboretum, University of Guelph The Arboretum, University of Guelph is offering a new one-day workshop on Saturday, May 29, 2004 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This workshop will explore the approaches you can use to attract southern Ontario's common cavity-nesting birds to your property using nest-boxes. Participants will learn about proper nest-box design and location, monitoring and maintenance practices and conservation issues pertinent to these birds. An afternoon tour through The Arboretum will give participants hands-on experience in nest-box monitoring and site selection. The workshop fee is $45.00, and registration is required by Friday, May 14, 2004. To register call The Arboretum at 824-4120 extension 52358 or email arbor@uoguelph.ca.
I just moved to the southern ON region from BC. I've NEVER watched birds before but there is a huge window in my back yard through which I can see many different kinds of birds on a daily basis. Does anyone out there know of a web-site for this region specifically which has photo's of birds I might possibly see? Any internet resources would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Sorry for the late post... I spotted two juvenile bald eagles last tuesday (April 27) near the Don Valley at the Leaside bridge. They were flying low near the tree tops for quite a while then moved on southward. It was an amazing sight. The area around the leaside bridge(and the don valley around thorncliffe park drive, seton park etc...) is great for seeing red tail hawks, red wing blackbirds, cardinals and a lot of other birds if anyone is interested
In Reply to: Re: ID help please posted by Ramona Shields on May 04, 2004 at 11:30:27:
Could be a female red-winged blackbird. I found this bird to be totally confusing when I first saw it. Looked at all the sparrow and thrush listings before I identified it.
In Reply to: Re: ID help please posted by Brian Bailey on May 03, 2004 at 21:22:02:
That's him. My bird book showed them as being more brown than gray.
Thank you.
In Reply to: ID help please posted by Ramona Shields on May 03, 2004 at 20:34:07:
It sounds like a White-Crowned Sparrow. They are one of the larger sparrows. There are quite a few passing through right now. BB
On the ground beneath my feeders is this bird which I cannot locate in my bird book: - black and white striped head
- medium grey body
- more patterning on the wings
- larger than a sparrow. It is not a white breasted nuthatch. Who can help id? Ramona from Dundas
In Reply to: Odd Falconiformes sighting posted by James on May 01, 2004 at 13:26:22:
I'm near your location and know there are a large number of Red-tailed Hawks, some Coopers Hawks, and lots of Turkey Vultures in the area. I wonder if you may have seen some of the species trained & deployed at the airport, but I'm not sure what kinds they are.
Yesterday, May 2nd, 2004 I spotted what I originally thought was a hawk at the corner of Bathurst and Glencairn [just south of Lawrence, north of Eglinton]. When it swooped down for some existing road-kill, I could clearly see that it was most definately a Turkey Vulture. It was amazing! The wing span seemed enormous as it flew very, very low just over the traffic. I had a very close look at it as it perched on a nearby roof top, waiting for the traffic to stop. Eventually giving up and flying north.
A black and white warbler was climbing/feeding on an ash tree in my backyard in downtown Toronto yesterday. Never saw one in the city before! Also have 2 male red-wing blackbirds visiting my feeder every day.
In Reply to: can anyone help? posted by Elizabeth Dyer on May 03, 2004 at 08:07:57:
Sounds like a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Look that up in your bird ID book, or hop on the internet for a search.
Yesterday evening we saw two birds at our feeder that none of us has ever seen before. They were identical, about the size of a robin but without a long tail feather. Black and white with some red around the throat. They ate the seed on the ground as opposed to sitting on the feeder. I can't locate this bird in any of the information I've looked at. Can anyone give us an idea of what they might be? Thanks.
In Reply to: RFI: Carolina Wren, birding spots posted by Christopher Di Corrado on April 29, 2004 at 08:00:09:
Carolina Wrens are becoming more common around Toronto. There are a lot of yellow dots on the map. Click on the link below to have a look. As for birding spots in Etobicoke, I would add Colonel Sam Smith Park (Lakeshore Blvd W & Kipling) and the Humber Bay Parks (Lakeshore Blvd W & Parklawn). I bird Sam Smith regularly both because it is a short walk from my house, and because there is a nice diversity of habitat that can produce interesting birds at any time of year. It can be very good in April and May (see my post from yesterday). The Humber Bay parks can provide good variety too, but I go there mainly for migrating and over-wintering waterfowl. There is free parking (at least for now) at both of these parks and High Park as well. BB
The resident Canada Geese are back at Edward's Gardens and are nesting in the usual large weeping willow. I work at the park and these geese have nested in this tree for the last 3 or 4 years. It gives a rather unique view of the nest about 10ft. up in the air in a crotch of huge weeping willow. If you wish to see this nest Edward's Gardens is located at Lawrence Ave east and Leslie. There are lots of the large willows in this park so if you want to see the nest it is located near the ornamental fountain. I have photos if anyone is interested but don't know how to post them on this board.
Good Birding Kevin
I spent most of my morning at Colonel Sam Smith Park today, and I was rewarded with a nice assortment of birds. At least 95% of the warblers were Yellow-rumped, but I eventually managed to find 9 species. The others were: There was an even greater variety of Sparrows: Other species of note included a Marsh Wren near the pond observation platform, a Warbling Vireo near the Power Plant, and several Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. At one point I had a Veery, Hermit Thrush, and Wood Thrush all within a couple of metres of each other. There were several very active, but silent Empidonax flycatchers near the Power Plant. Kinglets and Juncos have become quite scarce. In all, I found 62 species, 19 were firsts for the year. I could barely see the lake because of the fog, but on a family bike ride this evening, I noticed a few additional species on and over the lake: BB
Along with a sprinkling of other fine birds there was a male HOODED WARBLER present at the Necropolis between 10:30 and 11 this morning. Unfortunately me with no camera by the time I made it back with camera I could not relocate it. I tried again from about 11:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Local birders may still wish to try. Also present in the Necropolis: WOOD THRUSH,FIELD SPARROW Nashville Warblers
1 Pine Warbler
Palm Warblers
Black-throated Green Warblers
Yellow-rumped Warblers Brown Thrasher
Chipping Sparrows
White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows In the nearby Riverdale Farm, in the lower Sanctuary Pond, a Black-crowned Night Heron
2 Spotted Sandpipers in the bottom pond Directions: In Toronto, take Parliament Street north from the Lakeshore Blvd. etc. to Winchester Street. Drive east along Winchester Street to the very end and park on the north side of the street or in the Necropolis itself (please pull off to the side to let other cars pass). Straight ahead from the entrance gates there is a large dedication plaque for the Necropolis which lists the many celebs in the cemetery. It is along the north fence of the Necropolis. Just to the right of that area, flying in and out of the Necropolis was the Hooded Warbler. It was visible from inside the Necropolis but if you are searching you may wish to try the whole Necropolis itself (it's small). Then exit the Necroplis and drive/walk one block to Sumach. Turn right on Sumach to Amelia and turn right again. Park at the dead end of this street and also try the laneway behind the houses at the very end of this street which runs through Wellesley Park and the northern fence to the Necropolis. When I viewed the Hooded Warbler I saw it from both inside and outside the Necropolis, however, later could not relocate.
In Reply to: Odd Falconiformes sighting posted by James on May 01, 2004 at 13:26:22:
an addendum*** Could possibly be Turkey Vultures
I was walking to work today and I noticed 2 (what looked to be a familial or breeding pair of very large looking raptors swooping around the rooftop of 1 particular building.
Now I'm no expert when it comes to genus identification but they each had a wingspan of aprox. 3-4 feet and were brown/black in colour with possible red/yellow colouring on the face/head. There was also what appeared to be a lighter brownish band around mid-wing.
My first instinct was to pass them off as Perigrine Falcons(Falco peregrinus), but there was no white colouring on the body or wings.... not really much colour at all..that and the sheer size of the birds.
looking at Image profiles online the best matches that I could find in the Falconiformes order were:
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)
Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
I sighted these birds at 2680 Skymark Ave. in the airport corporate centre area of Mississauga. The nearest major intersection would be Renforth/Eglinton
2 days ago, both the white crowned & white throated sparrows showed up in their usual spot, under the cedar tree. They're later than last year, and they dont usually stay for very long as it is, so I suspect they'll be gone quicker than last year as well. We're right at the north line of Oxford county, bordering Perth county, so our migration path might be a little different from the GTA sightings.
In Reply to: baltimore oriole posted by Ramona Shields on April 30, 2004 at 16:35:56:
You made my day too, we've also been eagerly awaiting the return of the orioles! 2 years ago was the first time we had them in our yard, and they were only here about 3 weeks (if that). Last year, we put halved oranges out, and they stayed for about 3 months (male and female). I had to check the dates of my photogtraphs last year, since I was sure it was May they came, and my husband was sure it was April. Turns out, it was late May. :-)
In Reply to: baltimore oriole posted by Ramona Shields on April 30, 2004 at 16:35:56:
You made my day. I have been waiting for the baltimores to come back and am glad to hear of a sighting. My feeder is ready. Two years ago I had a male Baltimore that hung around for a couple weeks and last year, (I like to think it was the same one) brought a female and stayed almost two months but I have no way of knowing.
Just refilled my feeder from yesterdays wind, and thank God I did. Just about half an hour later a male oriole was drinking from it. Would this male be the same one that I had here last year?
Ramona from Dundas
I saw a Northern Mockingbird yesterday, and had some good views of its flight. When I got it in the glass, though, it appeared to have an entirely black eye. Has anyone seen this before?
In Reply to: RFI: Carolina Wren, birding spots posted by Christopher Di Corrado on April 29, 2004 at 08:00:09:
Hi Chris, In Mississauga you could try Lakeside Park at Southdown and Lakeshore, or Jack Darling Park with the Ratray Marsh on Lakeshore between Southdown and Mississauga Rd. In Etobicoke you could try Marie Curtis Park on Lakeshore just west of Brown's Line. From there you can follow this stream (Etobicoke Creek) all the way up to Eglinton. Hope this helps, DL
I haven't been around this area in a while, but have a Carolina wren sing (loudly!) around my house in dad's house in Bolton. Are they becoming more common in the area? I'd like to bird in High Park some time. Is it safe during the early-biring hours? And is there free parking?
Any other good spots around Etobicoke/Mississauga for birding?
thanks!
In Reply to: Help with Owls posted by Piers M. Perren on April 28, 2004 at 09:52:11:
There are definitely screech owls to be found, although we are getting to the end of the best season. Are you playing the tape loudly? On the breeding bird atlas survey we are encouraged to have the tape be audible from 500m distance. I have surveyed for owls near Shelburne and was surprised to hear them in only a small percentage of places that I tried. The ones I found were calling after 10pm, and from fairly small woodlots adjacent to open fields. It sounds like you are on the right track, you might need to drive around and cover a bit more ground. Also maybe a few more calls and a bit less silence. Barred owls and long-eared owls are a lot less likely. Pat Hodgson
Toronto
I have surveyed our property for owls on the last two week-ends - without success. I have been going out between 11: 00pm and midnight and playing recordings in the following sequence:
1 minute silence
Screech Owl call
4 minutes silence
Screech Owl
2 minutes silence
Long-eared Owl call
2 minutes silence
Barred Owl
I had a probable owl fly by once in response to the Screech Owl recording but apart from that there has been no action. I have played this sequence at seven different locations on the property - most of them at the edge of woodlands.
Can you think of another approach to finding these three owl species in the Caledon area?
In Reply to: Re: Fork-tailed flycatcher -- Tyrannus savana posted by Al Johnston on April 27, 2004 at 20:04:09:
I went to the location yesterday and talked to Mr. Johnston. Mr. Johnston is a knowledgeable birder and the description, circumstances, habitat and behaviour all sounded very convincing to me, even if the date is somewhat perplexing. I have offered to pick up copies of the photographs when they are available and, if appropriate, to ensure that they get to the OBRC.
Brian Henshaw,
Whitby, ON
Yesterday evening I saw two Turkey vultures soaring very low over the intersection of Dufferin and Finch. They then perched on the "B" of the Bally building sign and were still there around 20 minutes later when I left and were there again this morning. Do TV's nest in the Toronto area or is this pair just passing through? If they do nest in urban areas, would they nest on a building? Any info appreciated. Thanks in advance.
In Reply to: Re: Fork-tailed flycatcher -- Tyrannus savana posted by Brandon H on April 27, 2004 at 17:02:16:
Hi Brandon,
I realised I'd be challenged on this I.D. and thanks for the link on the eastern kingbird with which I am familiar. Let me backtrack a bit---- I observed the subject bird with a friend, who is also an observer of nature, several times over a period of an hour or so from a distance of about 35 feet, through binoculars on one occasion. It was very cooperative, staying in one location and even calling out with it's repetetive call at one time. We realised we had a different bird on our hands but, frankly had no idea what it was other than perhaps a scissor-tailed fly catcher so we hit the bird books and Google Images and finally came to the conclusion that it had to be 100% a fork-tailed flycatcher. After finding a film for the old analogue 38-105mm camera I went out, located the bird again and got 3 pictures which I hope turn out to back up my assertion that we did indeed see a fork-tailed flycatcher. BTW, this must be an immature bird because the slim, deeply forked tail was only about one body length long. Also the yellow head patch was not visible. This bird was spotted at 4288 Bethesda Rd. Stouffville. It was not seen today but neither were my several dozen tree swallows for that matter. Thanks for your interest, Brandon and I hope the subject bird keeps showing up so you can confirm my sighting.
Al
In Reply to: Fork-tailed flycatcher -- Tyrannus savana posted by Al Johnston on April 27, 2004 at 14:35:33:
Hi Al, A Fork-tailed Flycatcher would be a very rare bird indeed. Rare enough you would have to verify the identification of the bird. An Eastern Kingbird, is a Black and white Flycatcher that we see a lot of around here, but does not have a tail that that is twice the length of the body (like a Fork-tailed Flycatcher). If the bird is indeed at Fork-tailed Flycatcher, there would be many people who would be interested to see it. (Including me). Heres a link to the Eastern Kingbird: http://www.schmoker.org/BirdPics/Photos/Flycatchers/EAKI4.jpg ***And here is two links for photos of a Fork-tailed Flycatcher. Another difference is the paler back of the Fork-tailed Flycatcher... http://stubird.dreamhost.com/FTFL091902.jpg http://www.monctonnaturalistsclub.org/images/Fork-Tailed%20Flycatcher.jpg ***Another bird that partially resembles a Fork-tailed Flycatcher is the Pin-tailed Whydah, although I believe this would be highly un-likley (and would be an escapee from captivity). http://www.photobirder.com/Bird_Photos/pin_tailed_whydah.jpg *** If it is possible to get a photo, or video stills of the bird, it would be greatly appreciated... Plus, could you post better directions to the site? Thanks! and Good Birding Brandon Holden
Spotted yesterday afternoon in Whitchurch-Stouffville hawking insects in the grass from a chain link fence. I gather they're quite rare at this latitude. Al
Birded High Park today from 10 to 2 and recorded 35 species, 5 of which were warbler species: Yellow-Rumped, Black and White, Black Throated Green, Pine and Palm. An Orange-Crowned was also spotted by another birder. Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers and a Solitary vireo were also seen. Great close-up on an immature Red-Tailed Hawk on the ridge up behind the zoo (also where the majority of the warblers were seen). Winter wren in the creek opposite Clendennan Ave. Pied-Billed Grebe in Grenadier pond just out from the Maple Leaf Garden. Wood Ducks, Shovelers, Gadwalls, Buffleheads as well.
Monday morning I saw a rednecked grebe at Col.Sams Park.
It was in the bay near the Marina and not far off shore.
Col.Sam Smith Park, foot of Kipling Ave. Etobicoke.
A first time sighting for me.
Pat Gangl
In Reply to: A rather brazen flicker posted by Cam on April 25, 2004 at 14:11:26:
Interesting observation. I've had similar experiences with other woodpeckers, most notably Downy, Pileated, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - in most cases they seemed to be very preoccupied with excavating a tree and either unaware of or unconcerned by my presence. As an aside, it's too early in the year for juveniles; all flickers at this time of year are fully grown. As a general rule, size is a very poor measure of age, as the majority of birds are fully grown by the time they leave the nest (and in many cases even larger than their parents at that point!)
A rather NON-timid flicker crossed my path early Saturday on a residential street just east of Bloor and Keele. It was on the sidewalk, and i was able to get within a metre before it flicked (hence the name) up the tree trunk. I've never seen a non-domesticated bird act like that. It had no intention of moving when I came up on it.
It looked like a juvenille, as it was small, but brilliantly coloured, complete with the classic white patch on the rump when it flew to the tree.
In Reply to: Caspian Terns in Mississauga? posted by Jean Humphries on April 24, 2004 at 22:44:52:
Caspians surfaced this week at Humber Bay. We were kayaking
Sat. evening and a couple were on the seawall in front of the
Sunnyside Pav.
Yesterday's PBC outing was to the Long Point area and 12 people were in attendance. Our first visit was to east 1/4 line road just west of St. Williams forest headquarters. We stopped at the traditional site for Prairie Warbler but came up with good looks at a singing male Black-and-White Warbler instead. We also got Pine Warbler, Purple Finch, and Field Sparrow before heading on to the first concession south of Backus Woods. While walking along this still muddy road we saw Wild Turkey (2) and Chipping Sparrow and heard Black-throated Green Warbler (2), Field Sparrow, Red-bellied Woodpecker and Ruffed Grouse drumming. Next on the itinerary was Concession A where we found the E. Screech Owl sunning itself in its usual spot in the 3 bridges area. Also seen and/or heard in the area were Carolina Wren, Eastern Phoebe, Wood Duck, Tree Swallow and Horned Lark a bit east of here. We then moved on to Old Cut where we saw an Eastern (Rufous-sided) Towhee, Yellow-rumped and Black-throated Green Warblers, and Purple Martin. At the "Overflow" camping and picnic area for Long Point P.P. which is on the west side of 59 just north of the park we saw a Palm Warbler, Hermit Thrush,
and Brown Thrasher (2). We then headed for the Wilson Tract after lunch where we got Eastern Bluebird, Turkey Vulture, and also got Blue-headed Vireo (singing only), Pine Warbler, and Dark-eyed Junco on a wooded trail that was still relatively quiet in terms of bird song. After a quick stop at the new Big Creek platform along the causeway, we opted to head back to Old Cut just in case something "new" showed up and were rewarded
with our first Northern Parula Warbler of the year. It was a very cooperative singing male, providing excellent views of its olive colored upper back feathers as it foraged in the wooded area. As we started back east towards home we stopped at the Turkey Pt./Big Creek Marsh Overlook and saw one of the adult Bald Eagles attending to its nest. We finished the day with a total of six warbler species, not bad for April 24th in the Long Point area. Other birds seen today
included Ring-necked Pheasant, Red-tailed Hawk, Kestrel, Great Blue Heron, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Swamp and White-
throated Sparrows. We had nine new species today to raise our year list subtotal to 128 species recorded on PBC outings so far in 2004. ________________________________________________________ Brete Griffin - breteg@yahoo.ca Peel Birding Class - peelbirding@yahoo.ca http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/ and http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
In Reply to: Caspian Terns in Mississauga? posted by Jean Humphries on April 24, 2004 at 22:44:52:
Jean, we've occasionally had them over our 1 1/2 acre pond here in Whitchurch-Stouffville where they'd dive for fish. Their red beak is an obvious field mark isn't it. Al
I got home today to find what I'm pretty sure were two Caspian Terns hanging out, circling above a drainage pond at my home at the north end of Mississauga (in the Credit Valley). I had a good look- definitely two very big terns with black legs & large red bills. I've never seen one before- never seen any kind of tern here in fact- the biggest water nearby is the Credit River. I don't know much about terns- have I just missed seeing them before, or is this unusual?
In Reply to: RFI Toronto Birds posted by Jonathan Gendzier on April 23, 2004 at 21:42:35:
Hi Jonathan Of the birds you mention, I think the following are very unlikely to impossible at that time: Eared Grebe, Snow Goose, Brant, Rough-legged Hawk, Boreal Owl, American Three-toed Woodpecker, American Tree Sparrow, Harris' Sparrow, Lapland Longspur, and Western Meadowlark (more likely than the others). For the others, the best "local" place would probably be Algonquin Provincial Park (~3-4 hrs north of Toronto). Possible there are: American Black Duck, Common Merganser, Northern Goshawk, Ruffed and Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied, Least, and Alder Flycatcher, Common Raven, Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Evening Grosbeak. Long-eared and Northern Saw-whet Owls and Red Crossbill are probably also possible there but would require some real luck. Of the others, Red-necked Grebes nest in Bronte Harbour. Common Tern and (I think) Willow Flycatcher nest on Toronto's Leslie St. Spit, although both can be found elsewhere as well. Yellow Rail is occasionally in the Carden Alvar, although they don't turn up every year and I don't know if they stick around into June. If they are around the Ontbirds email list would have news on them. I'm not sure about Short-eared Owl, but a local birder might be able to show you one. Horned Lark can be quite common in agricultural fields throughout southern Ontario. A good resource is the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas at
http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/atlasmain.html Most of my June birding is done elsewhere in the province, so if I've made any mistakes hopefully a more experienced birder will correct them.
Joel Kits
Hello, I am a birder from Florida, and will be visiting the area between Niagara Falls and Toronto during the first week of June. I am asking for information on one or two sites that you believe would be good to see many of the following species: Red-necked Grebe, Eared Grebe, Snow Goose, Brant, American Black Duck, Common Merganser, Northern Goshawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse, Yellow Rail (wishful thinking never hurt anyone), Common Tern, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Common Raven, Horned Lark, Black-capped Chickadee, Boreal Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Tree Sparrow, Harris's Sparrow, Lapland Longspur, Western Meadowlark, Red Crossbill, Evening Grosbeak I apologize in advance for not being knowledgeable about the avigeography of Ontario's birds, as I imagine that some of the above birds are not present in the area in season. Thank you for your help,
Jonathan Gendzier
In Reply to: Pink-footed Goose posted by Brendan O'Sullivan on April 19, 2004 at 19:19:00:
The Pink-footed Goose - OIE À BEC COURT in Quebec near Ottawa was seen today (Friday Apr 23) http://pages.infinit.net/simardl/lesoiseauxraresduquebec.htm
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the APRIL 17 - APRIL
22, 2004 period This morning an EARED GREBE was seen foraging close to shore in Lake Ontario just west of the Second Marsh. . Small numbers of COMMON LOONS, HORNED GREBES, WHITE-WINGED
SCOTERS and larger numbers of COMMON GOLDENEYE, BUFFLEHEAD, and LONG-TAILED DUCK can also be seen in Lake Ontario. COMMON LOON numbers are rising in the area with several dozen seen flying northward each morning. Currently there are approximately 900 waterfowl consisting of 17 species
using the Second Marsh.
The most common species is the GREEN-WINGED TEAL with 403 individuals
present today. For the last week there has been a partial albino
GREEN-WINGED TEAL present as well. This bird has normal plumage except for a
white head that only has a few small flecks of colour. Other common
waterfowl species reported in the Marsh this week include: CANADA GEESE,
MALLARD, GADWALL, LESSER SCAUP and NORTHERN SHOVELER. Small numbers of
RING-NECKED DUCK, GREATER SCAUP, WOOD DUCK and BLACK DUCK are also still
being reported. Today, there were 5 RUDDY DUCKS present in McLaughlin Bay. 2 GREAT EGRETS were reported in the Second Marsh on the 19th. One was still
present in the NW corner today. LITTLE and BONAPARTE'S GULL numbers continue to grow. 22 LITTLE GULLS and
1053 BONAPARTE'S GULLS were observed on the 21st. This morning there were
21 LITTLE GULLS and 1069 BONAPARTE'S GULLS. Additional species being seen
include: immature GLAUCOUS, ICELAND and THAYER'S on the 21st. Small numbers
of CASPIAN and COMMON TERNS were observed feeding in the Second Marsh on the
21st and 22nd. A SORA and several VIRGINIA RAILS were heard calling in the Second Marsh
this morning. Shorebird numbers and diversity are both rising. Today there were 15 GREATER
YELLOWLEGS, 1 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 5 DUNLIN, 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER, 4 LEAST
SANDPIPERS, and 3 KILLDEER present. SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were reported on the
20th and
21st. A pair of PEREGRINE FALCONS harassed to Bonaparte's gull on the morning of
the 17th. One bird was seen the next day as well. An Osprey was reported on
the 17th. AMERICAN KESTRELS, RED-TAILED HAWKS, NORTHERN HARRIERS, COOPER'S
HAWK, SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, and TURKEY VULTURES are being seen daily. Today
two Vultures were feeding on a Carp carcass on the beach just west of the
Second Marsh. Newly arriving species this week include: BROWN THRASHER, ROUGH-WINGED
SWALLOW, YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLER, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, MARSH WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, FIELD
SPARROW and WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS. On April 20th 4 PURPLE FINCHES were
reported on the Dogwood trail in the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve. A late
flock of 25 COMMON REDPOLLS were seen this morning. Our thanks to contributors: Brian Brasier, Durham Rare Bird Line, Susan
Hall, Tyler Hoar, M Corkett Johnston, and Jay VanderGaast for their
sightings reports. Please send sightings reports to the attention of Tyler Hoar, (e-mail) to
bb.secondmarsh@rogers.com no later than Thursday morning each week. For a
trail map of Second Marsh visit www.secondmarsh.com
(http://www.secondmarsh.com). There is a link on that site that will take
you to a trail map for McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve.
Directions: Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit (419) in Oshawa. Go
south on Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to
the parking lot at the GM Headquarters. Park in the west parking lot close
to the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario
waterbirds proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the
lakeshore.
The next CCFEW bird walk is this Saturday, April 24, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Colonel Samuel Smith Park. The walk will be lead by Bob Yukich. Meet in the south parking lot at 9:00. Walks are held rain, or shine. (The south parking lot is at the south end of Colonel Samuel Smith Drive. Kipling Avenue becomes Colonel Sam Smith Drive south of Lakeshore Blvd.) This walk is funded by TD Canada Trust Friends Of The Environment Foundation, and is free for all participants. Everyone is welcome. NOTE: The yacht club will be launching boats this weekend, so the south parking lot may be full by 9:00. If so, there will still be parking available just to the north, in the lot next to the power plant. BB
I am wondering if anybody out there residing in the GTA is interested in travelling in the hope of seeing the Pink-footed Goose currently being seen near Ottawa (but officially in Quebec)? If so, I would be interested in hearing from you with a view to car-pooling.
A Brown Thrasher joined the spring invasion of white throated sparrows in my Rouge Valley garden this morning. The Thrasher spent most of the morning dining on corn and sunflower seeds and thrashing about amongst the leaves and pine cones. First time I can remember seeing this distinctive bird in my neck of the woods.
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Dates of Migration posted by Carla on April 19, 2004 at 05:00:05:
Sorry, the link didn't show up, here it is:
http://www.bsc-eoc.org/lpbo/sightings.html
In Reply to: RFI: Dates of Migration posted by Jeff on April 17, 2004 at 15:52:52:
The link below might also be helpful to you. They update every Saturday, and this might give you an idea what to expect, to some degree in your area. We monitored it very closely last spring, and quite often the very same birds they were banding the week prior, began showing up in the southern Perth county area, just days later.
I walked through the north part of Colonel Sam Smith Park early this morning (before the rain). Things were fairly quiet, but there was a mixed flock of Juncos and Kinglets in and around the conifers near the northeast corner of the park. The flock included both Kinglet species, Brown Creepers, as well as Chipping, White-throated, and Song Sparrows. There was a female Eastern Towhee in the same area. I accidently flushed a Black-crowned Night Heron from a roost in a tree on the east side of the cricket pitch. There were a few Hermit Thrushes, mostly around the Power Plant. A Meadowlark and a Savannah Sparrow were singing in the field on the west side, but I couldn't see them in the fog. I went back in the afternoon (after the rain) for the park clean-up. Although I spent most of my time looking at the ground, I noticed at least a few Northern Rough-winged Swallows flying with the many Tree Swallows. There was a Pied-billed Grebe in the pond, and a Yellow-rumped Warbler sang briefly north of the pond. BB
Twelve members of the PBC met early at Guelph Line to head for Cootes Paradise in Hamilton. One of the first new birds for the year, a Caspian Tern, was seen just off of the Valley Inn Road at the north-east end of this large body of water. White-throated Sparrows and a lone, lingering Tree Sparrow were also seen in the area. A Field Sparrow was heard singing at a brief stop driving along Old Guelph Road as we headed to the South Shore Trails where we heard a Carolina Wren, saw a pair of Eastern Bluebirds, and also got Wood Duck, Tree Swallow, and Common Merganser. After a quick refreshment break we headed to the Tollgate Pond area where we watched courting Ruddy Ducks along with Northern Shovelers, Bufflehead, and Lesser Scaup. We also noticed that Ring-billed Gulls nesting right beside Eastport Drive were already sitting on eggs. A low perched (and tethered) Red-tailed Hawk was spotted near the pond area and we wondered if he would be properly rewarded for keeping Ring-billed Gulls away from this site. We later recorded both Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal in a small pond by the road near Pier 24. From here we decided to chance a visit to Beamer’s C.A. as the weather was starting to clear up a bit around noon. At Beamer’s during our short stay we only saw a few raptors (Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks, but NO Broad-wingeds yet!) while there but heard a calling Rufous-sided Towhee, a singing Purple Finch and Pine Warbler, and saw a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker before we left. A Sandhill Crane also flew by near the tower to make things really interesting for a moment. Before we left we were made aware that we had missed a low flying Golden Eagle earlier in the day. We then drove over to the 10th Concession and heard and saw several “first of the season” Eastern Meadowlarks. Our first Savannah Sparrows were also heard and seen in the area. But the real treat here at the “unofficial” raptor preserve site were the in-flight displays of the Wilson’s Snipe, at least 5 of them, putting on an aerial display even better than the model airplane enthusiasts just across the road. Both vocalizations and the winnowing sounds were audible to us as we studied their movements as they wheeled around in the overcast sky for more than 20 minutes. A pair of Northern Harriers were also active in the area. We next heard a Red-bellied Woodpecker calling from a woodlot near the railroad tracks. In a field just east of the “preserve” a Vesper Sparrow was found and provided up close looks for everyone right beside the road, thus giving us a “six sparrow” day. A pair of Barn Swallows flew by shortly thereafter to give us yet one more new bird species for the year recorded today. On the way back to Ridge Road we also spotted a pair of Kestrels inspecting a nest cavity in a dead tree near the intersection of 10th Conc. and Ridge Road. All in all it was an enjoyable day as we were able to avoid the rain for most of the day as we headed home around 330pm.
_____________________________________________________ Brete Griffin - breteg@yahoo.ca Peel Birding Class - peelbirding@yahoo.ca http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/ and http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
In Reply to: RFI: Dates of Migration posted by Jeff on April 17, 2004 at 15:52:52:
Just click on "arrival dates" at the far right of the menu near top of this message board. The url is:
http://www.zoo.utoronto.ca/FUN/arrivals.html
I once saw a webpage(?) that showed that approx. dates for all migratory birds arriving in T.O. in the spring. Now i can't find it anywhere. Has anyone else seen something to that effect or know where I could find that info? Thanks,
In Reply to: Tom Thompson Park posted by Rob on April 16, 2004 at 00:18:47:
Great info!
In Reply to: Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the JULY 4 - JULY 31, posted by Tyler Hoar on August 01, 2003 at 12:20:53:
I just want to say that I am very appreciative of the selfless work Daniel Denov has done. He's a great guy and he's always helping other people out. Thanks a lot, Dan! Love, Corey.
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the APRIL 9 - APRIL 16,
2004 period The LITTLE GULL numbers continue to grow. This morning there were 11 LITTLE
GULLS in the Marsh and courtship displays have started. Groups of birds can
be seen displaying in small flocks up 200m above the Marsh. By 8:30 each
morning most gulls have left the marsh to forage in Lake Ontario. Other
gulls reported this week include approximately 350 Bonaparte's Gulls, and
an immature GLAUCOUS GULL on the 15th. Terns are also starting to return.
CASPIAN TERN are present daily and 1 FORSTER'S TERN was observed this
morning. Small numbers of COMMON LOONS, HORNED GREBES, and RED-NECKED GREBES can
been seen in Lake Ontario. Dozens of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS were also
observed migrating by the area this morning. Currently there are approximately 800 waterfowl consisting of 21 species
using the Second Marsh. The most common species are GREEN-WINGED TEAL,
MALLARD, CANADA GEESE, NORTHERN SHOVELER, GREATER SCAUP, AND NORTHERN
PINTAIL. Small numbers of CANVASBACK, REDHEAD, WOOD DUCK and RUDDY DUCK
were also observed. The TUNDRA SWAN was last observed on the 14th in the
Second Marsh. The resident TRUMPETER SWANS (R39 and 837) can be seen daily
foraging in Wilkinson's Pond behind the East platform. There are now extensive mudflats throughout the Second Marsh. Small numbers
of KILLDEER and GREATER YELLOWLEGS are observed daily. On the 11th there
were also 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS present. A VIRGINIA RAIL and SEDGE WREN were heard on the 14th Several Raptors were observed this week. Migrants included a RED-SHOULDERED
HAWK (14th), immature BALD EAGLE (11th), and small numbers of TURKEY
VULTURES (daily). The resident NORTHERN HARRIER, COOPER'S HAWK, RED-TAILED
HAWK and AMERICAN KESTREL can usually be seen daily foraging around the
McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve.
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS have been reported this week from the Oshawa Sewage
plant fence and 2 are seen daily beside the west GM parking lot. Small
numbers of BARN
SWALLOWS, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS and BROWN CREEPERS also
arrived this week. Our thanks to contributors: Margaret Bain, Brian Brasier,
Daniel Denov, Durham Rare Bird Line, Tyler Hoar, M Corkett Johnston and Abel Zwart for their
sightings reports. Please send sightings reports to the attention of Tyler Hoar, (e-mail)
to bb.secondmarsh@rogers.com no later than Thursday morning each week.
For a trail map of Second Marsh visit www.secondmarsh.com
(http://www.secondmarsh.com). There is a link on that site that will take
you to a trail map for McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve. Directions: Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit (419) in Oshawa. Go
south on Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to
the parking lot at the GM Headquarters. Park in the west parking lot close
to the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario
waterbirds proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the
lakeshore.
In Reply to: Trumpeter Swan tagged 737 posted by Tom Andersen on April 14, 2004 at 10:22:11:
Hi Tom: The trumpeter swans that you spotted at the Ashbridges bay are part of a re-introduction program that is associated with the Wye Marsh center in Midland. The Wye Marsh center appreciates hearing from the public if, any of the trumpeters have been seen. That was great of you to write down the tag number. A large number of the trumpeter swans spend the winteralong Lake Ontario. Since you saw these swans recently, it helps the center know where they are located. They tend to move around a lot during this time. Here is the link to the Wye Marsh center with their email address should you wish to report the tag number and, about seeing the others.: http://www.wyemarsh.com/swan_sighting.html If you choose not to send a note to them, please let me know and, I can forward your message. By the way, when #737 gave you a trumpet as you went by him, it could have been his greeting to say "hello".. :) Thanks, Chris :)
In Reply to: Tom Thompson Park posted by Rob on April 16, 2004 at 00:18:47:
Try the wesite at http://www.trca.on.ca/parks_and_attractions/places_to_visit/tommy_thompson/ Lots of good stuff on it.
In Reply to: Re: Tom Thompson Park posted by Derek Lyon on April 16, 2004 at 12:15:12:
...or call 416.661.6600 and press 1. D
Just a note to say all copies of Ontario Bibliography , Canadian Bibliography of Ornithology and Bibliography of North American Wood Warbler are all sold out now. Please no more e-mails (hundreds. Lynn
Sayers Antiques
In Reply to: Tom Thompson Park posted by Rob on April 16, 2004 at 00:18:47:
Hi Rob, look in the city of Toronto website under parks for access times - don't quote me but I think it's only open weekends from 9 till 4
Hi folks, can someone tell if and when the park opens? weeknds or weekdays? I am trying to access one of the lagoons for some fishing purposes - it's the lagoon with the marina.. Thank much, rob
They're back! Whole (noisy) bunch of them in in and around our backyard trees (south Etobicoke). When can we expect to see some vireos & warblers? Thanks
chrissi
Wed April 14 2004, Hi, I saw a trumpeter (actually 3 or 4) at Ashbridges bay, Beaches, Toronto
this morning at 9 AM. One was tagged with 737. There may be tags on the others, but they were
out in the bay. The one was resting on the grass next to the bike path.
The birds were in the marina area, where Lakeshore Dr. comes closest to
the Harbour. He gave me a trumpet as I rode my bike by. :) --Tom Andersen
In Reply to: Re: RFI: Hairy Woodpecker posted by Barbara Taylor on April 14, 2004 at 08:30:59:
The Cornell website seems to be having problems all of a sudden. Here's another pic of a sapsucker:
http://www.nenature.com/YellowBelliedSapsucker.htm
In Reply to: RFI: Hairy Woodpecker posted by Derek Lyon on April 13, 2004 at 12:51:57:
Perhaps you saw a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker or possibly a Northern Flicker? Juvenile Hairy Woodpeckers resemble the adults - no spots. http://birds.cornell.edu/programs/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Yellow-bellied_Sapsucker.html
http://www.birdnature.com/flicker.html
Hi All, This past weekend my wife and I spotted what looked like a Hairy Woodpecker. It had all the markings of a male Hairy, with one thing different; the belly and lower chest appeared to have spotting or mottling. Is this just a juvenile bird?
I'm fairly sure from my books that I saw a pair of them, one with a red/brown head, the other mostly dark. They were in the Etobicoke Creek area near Eglinton in a small local pond. Pretty squeemish as I tried to get close to snap a picture. Also, today saw a white-breasted nuthatch (first one I've ever seen), a bunch of downy woodpeckers, some chickadees and red-winged blackbirds.
Spotted a Black Throated Green Warbler in our front yard in Mississauga on Sat. Thought it might be an American Goldfinch at first, but field guide proved otherwise.
In Reply to: Re: RFI Looking For Wood Cock posted by Brendan O'Sullivan on April 10, 2004 at 09:26:59:
Thanks for the lead. Sat in the woodlot in the middle of the field tonight for two hours. The woodcock started to peent directley behind me probably within 10 to 15 ft. He then flew off across the field. Did not witness the arial display but a great sighting none the less. Thanks for your help. Guy Granka
In Reply to: Female Harlequin at Humber East posted by Keith Sharp on April 11, 2004 at 14:18:01:
Hi Keith, I saw this bird today as well. It was seen by many people today no doubt, especially given the fine weather. The bird is actually a first-spring male Harlequin Duck however. This bird was first found by Bob Yukich about 3-4 weeks ago feeding under the bridge over the mouth of the Humber River. It will be very interesting to see how long this individual will stay around. GC
Four lucky birders got a point blank view of a female Harlequin duck as it patrolled the pedestrian pontoon walkway at Humber Park East at 10 a.m. this morning. The female Harlequin swam east to west along the North channel of the walkway and then swam west to east down the south channel allowing great digital photo ops for one of the birders.
In Reply to: Etobicoke Creek Valley - help me ID? posted by Mathew on April 11, 2004 at 11:56:36:
Hi Matt, this is a tough angle but it is definitely a Northern Flicker(formerly Yellow-shafted Flicker). You can even see the "yellow shafts" in the tail feathers. It is about 12" in length, a bit larger then a wren. Keep up the great work with your gallery!
Hi All! This is just one of many birds I can't ID. I think it's a wren of some sort. There's been a significant increase in birds over the past few days! Lots of things to see, most of these pics taken south of Eglinton Ave, border of Etobicoke/Mississauga. I've tried my best to ID them all but if you notice errors in the filenames, or see 'unk...' filenames let me know if you know what they are? Check my gallery for this week's shots!
Just wanted to say sitting here watching a pair of Mallards swimming in my pool and exploring the surrounding yard. What a lovely sight.
A group of 13 PBC members met at Lynde Shores yesterday morning to enjoy a long awaited sunny Saturday. We found 2 Fox Sparrows digging in the leaf litter along the bird feeder trail and several Brown-headed Cowbirds were seen near the intersection of the trail and the road. We headed south along this road to the northmost viewing platform at Cranberry Marsh where the only new waterfowl species observed for our year list was a Blue-winged Teal. Other waterfowl seen here included American Coot, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Mute Swan, and Gadwall. Flying over the adjacent fields were a pair of very territorial Northern Harriers, Turkey Vultures, a Red-Tailed and a Cooper’s Hawk. We also found a Long-eared Owl roost site (with several partially disintegrated pellets) in nearby woods along with a fruit laden shrub that supported about a half dozen foraging Cedar Waxwings. Several American Goldfinch were seen and a Ring-necked Pheasant was heard before we left the area. We next headed to Second Marsh where we spotted about 3 dozen Bonaparte’s Gulls in the western-most section of the marsh but we did not wait long enough to see any of the Little Gulls that had just recently arrived. We spotted a Glaucous Gull on a small island in the central part of the “big pond” and also heard a Swamp Sparrow singing from the nearby cattails. Many other waterfowl were seen here including Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Lesser Scaup, Green-winged Teal, and American Wigeon. At Thickson’s Woods we found an adult Great Horned Owl but did not find the fledgling that was rumored to be roosting nearby. We also got E. Phoebe, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Golden-crowned Kinglets while here. Among non-avian things of interest we saw two Mourning Cloaks and a Garter Snake in Thickson’s as well. From here it was on to Corner Marsh where we saw an adult Black-crowned Night Heron, several Common Mergansers, a Great-blue Heron, and a Herring Gull. We called it a day soon after and added nine more new species to the 2004 year list to bring us to a subtotal of 103 species recorded as of April 10.
______________________________________________________ Brete Griffin - breteg@yahoo.ca Peel Birding Class - peelbirding@yahoo.ca http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PBC/ and http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BreteGriffin/
Today(April 10th)I joined the Toronto Field Naturalists on a nature walk to Ward Island. The sun was shining brilliantly and the air was cool and crisp. We saw song sparrows, northern flickers, brown headed cowbirds and even 4 yellow-bellied (my first of the year). The lake was full of buffleheads, long-tails as well as very large northern pike. In a secluded area on Snake Island, we saw a pair of gorgeous wood ducks, a male red-breasted merganser and 3 wary black-crowned night herons. At the end of our walk, we even caught a glimpse of an un-banded trumpeter swan majestically gliding across Lake Ontario.
For all you snake lovers, we also saw both phases of the eastern garter snake (dark and striped) and the Dekay's snake. I was grateful to tag along with Carol who was a great guide.
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding. What a great day for doing the hole 10k+ of Tommy Thompson park ( Leslie st
spit ) the high light was the big movement of Common Loons 73 wear counted
from the south east point ( or pipit point) most wear flying low to the west
( well 69 of them ) Other high lights wear, R.T. Loon 3 , Red N Grebe 32, H Grebe 4 , Y R
Warbler 1 , A Bittern 1 , W W Scooter 25 , Phoebe 1 , others goodies seen a sunning Coyote ( light yellow gold with a radio
collar ) sunning garter snake ( black form ) and a sunning Morning cloak
butterfly .
a great day with out living the city .
the park can be found by going south on Leslie st south of the lake shore
blvd . hear in the city of Toronto.
Craig & Bev McLauchlan
In Reply to: Re: Mystery Duck? posted by Barbara Taylor on April 09, 2004 at 12:27:12:
I think you nailed it, Barbara. The white eyebrow line seems to be the defining feature. How did you ever know that? Al
In Reply to: RFI Looking For Wood Cock posted by Guy Granka on April 09, 2004 at 19:53:00:
There are woodcock on the western side of Bronte Creek PP. To get there go north on Bronte Road off the QEW and turn left onto Upper MIddle Road, This road dead-ends at the park. It's best to go at dusk when the birds start to call and eventually display. They are difficult to see in the gloom, though.
Friday afternoon, there were hundreds of Red-necked Grebes off Colonel Sam Smith Park in Etobicoke. They were well out into the lake. Most of them would have been difficult to pick out without a scope. The largest concentration was a flock of about 300 off the south eastern headland. There were probably that many again scattered in loose flocks to the south and west of the park. Except for those in the harbour, most of the other ducks were staying far out into the lake as well. There were about 15 Horned Grebes in the harbour. I was surprised to find a Winter Wren in exactly the same place I found one last weekend: in the creekbed next to the power plant. I don't know if it was a fluke or a very reliable bird. Look south from the footbridge. BB
On the warm, spring friday morning I visited Colonel Sam Smith park with my parents to observe the spring migrants. As I walked down the coarse path dotted with Coltsfoot, I saw about 15 horned grebes, 6 buffleheads, 10 Gadwalls and an immense flock of Lesser scaup scattered among the larger Greater Scaup by the dock.
But the jewel of the day was a group of RED NECKED grebes far out, off the shore of the lake, which I saw through the scope of a generous fellow birder.
It was a beautiful sunny spring day to be out.
Does anyone have any current information on Wood Cock sightings in the Burlington or surrounding areas? Any leads would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Guy Granka
In Reply to: Amherst Island posted by Cynthia Zalewski on March 24, 2004 at 07:19:11:
My first trip to Amherst was in January. It was fantastic. Too many Rough Legged Hawks to count. Owl Woods produced closeups of 8 Long Eared Owls and 2 Saw Whets. Can,t wait to get back next winter. Saddly no Snowy Owls on this trip. G.G
In Reply to: Horned Grebes posted by Peter Granka on March 26, 2004 at 09:42:23:
Are you sure they were,nt Red Necked. I know novices sometimes misidentify these two.G.G
Spotted a pair of wild turkeys in Burlington. North East corner of Waterdown Rd. and North Service Rd. in wood lot.
In Reply to: Red Wing Blackbirds posted by Edwin Makkinga on April 08, 2004 at 12:44:33:
I have had them at my feeder for about three weeks now. They have just migrated back here. The males come first to scout out a good spot and the females follow. I saw the first female today.
In Reply to: Mystery Duck? posted by Kin Lau on April 07, 2004 at 22:38:54:
Possibly an Australian Spotted Duck.
http://www.feathersite.com//Poultry/Ducks/Spots/BRKSpots.html
In Reply to: Great Blue Herons posted by George Daszkowski on April 03, 2004 at 07:51:37:
I have once again seen the Blue Herons up here in King as well ( approx.15 years and counting). Not sure when they arrived, as they usually arrive during the March Break and I was away. Saw my first one the week of March 22 and have seen a few flying by since then.
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the APRIL 1 - APRIL 8, 2004 period
The LITTLE GULLS have arrived back at the Oshawa Second Marsh. The first 2 arrived April 6th with 85 BONAPARTE'S GULLS. On April 8th there were 3 LITTLE GULLS and 116 BONAPARTE'S GULLS. Other gulls seen this week include both immature GLAUCOUS and ICELAND GULLS.
An EARED GREBE was reported in Lake Ontario off the Second Marsh on the 3rd. Small numbers of PIED-BILLED GREBES can been seen daily in the Second Marsh.
There were approximately 600 waterfowl present in the Second Marsh from 23 species. The most common species seen include: RING-NECKED DUCK GREATER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD, NORTHERN SHOVELER and CANADA GEESE. Small numbers of REDHEAD, CANVASBACK and NORTHERN PINTAIL have also been reported. One blue phase SNOW GOOSE was also seen flying North over the Marsh in a flock of CANADA GEESE. There are currently 3 species of swan present in the Marsh consisting of 35-40 MUTE SWANS, 3 TRUMPETER SWANS( #838, R39, and an unbanded bird) and one late TUNDRA SWAN.
Small numbers of WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and 1 imm male HARLEQUIN DUCK ( 2nd ) were seen among the many LONG-TAILED DUCKS, and COMMON GOLDENEYES in Lake Ontario.
On April 8th there was a GREATER YELLOWLEGS in the Second Marsh.
Several WINTER WRENS, EASTERN PHOEBES, SWAMP SPARROWS, TREE SWALLOWS, and HERMIT THRUSHES have been reported in the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve and Darlington Provincial Park. The resident NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS are currently using the western side of the provincial park as their primary territory.
Our thanks to contributors: Margaret Bain, Brian Brasier, Durham Rare Bird Line, Susan Hall, and Tyler Hoar, for their sightings reports. Please send sightings reports to the attention of Tyler Hoar, (e-mail)
to bb.secondmarsh@rogers.com no later than Thursday morning each week.
For a trail map of Second Marsh visit www.secondmarsh.com
(http://www.secondmarsh.com). There is a link on that site that will take
you to a trail map for McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve. Directions: Exit from the 401 at the Harmony Rd. Exit (419) in Oshawa. Go
south on Farewell St. to Colonel Sam Drive. Go east on Colonel Sam Drive to
the parking lot at the GM Headquarters. Park in the west parking lot close
to the marsh. The east platform is located here. To see the Lake Ontario
waterbirds proceed along the path from the parking lot south to the
lakeshore.
In Reply to: Re: Mystery Duck? posted by Al Johnston on April 08, 2004 at 09:31:03:
I would have to agree that it is a Domestic Duck.The wings appear to be far to short in contrast of its body to enable it to fly great distances.The type I think is a mixed breed. Cheer's Garth/Innisfil
I noticed three or four red-wing blackbirds at my feeder in North York (Yonge and Sheppard) on Sat., April 3/04. They ended up spending quite a bit of time at the feeder before leaving. I've heard them around, but haven't seen again since.
In Reply to: Mystery Duck? posted by Kin Lau on April 07, 2004 at 22:38:54:
Offhand, I'd say it's a domestic duck or hybrid. Nice pics of the Trumpeters,BTW.
Al
Down at Bluffer's Park today in Scarborough, I saw this orangish duck that I can't find in the bird guides. Can anyone identify this? Is it some sort of domestic duck? http://www.blackphotocentre.com/blacks/control/photosite/gabe@blacks?lang=EN Click on the Swan link, and you'll see 3 jpegs of the duck.
In Reply to: mockingbird whistle/caller posted by Opale on April 06, 2004 at 15:44:00:
Hi The Mockingbird Caller is not really a call of a Mockingbird,but a small wood and brass object that you you turn.As you turn it back and forth it emits a variety of Sounds and Squeaks.This will bring out many birds that may be hiding in the Grasses and Shrubs.
It can be found at most Stores that cater to Birders or even bought on line.Try a Search using Mockingbird and you might get a hit. Cheer's Garth/Innisfil
In Reply to: Red-Necked Grebe posted by Vince McNally on April 06, 2004 at 21:02:04:
I didn't have to worry about the rain;a double-crested
cormorant has taken over the grebes'spot on the log.
The 2 grebes have headed back toward the harbour.
A pair of Red-Necked Grebe are attempting to build a nest in/on a log at the bend on the west side of the BRONTE CREEK; a few hundred feet north of the pond entrance north of the Lakeshore bridge.It is easy for me to see from my condo as it looks out upon the creek and pond.
Concern is that a heavy rain will wash the nest away.
Does anyone know where I could get my hands on a mockingbird whistle/caller? I'm not a bird expert in any way but I'm looking for a gift for a bird enthusiast friend living overseas who's never heard a mockingbird.
Sighted 31 March standing in pond just south of Brownhill tract, York regional forest at approx 4:00pm
I visited Colonel Sam Smith Park agin this afternoon, but brought my scope this time. There were similar numbers of Horned Grebes again today (I didn't count). There was no sign of the White-winged Scoter, but there was a Common Loon in the harbour. (It headed out into the lake while I was there.) With a better look today, there were both species of scaup in the harbour. Between the harbour and the open water, all 3 species of merganser were present along with all the regulars. Most of the Goldeneyes are usually well off the east side, but their numbers were the lowest I've seen in several weeks. I had 6 Tree Swallows fly by, all heading east. There was a Winter Wren in the creek, next to the Power Plant. BB
The Horned Grebe numbers continue to grow at Colonel Sam Smith Park in Etobicoke. After multiple scans of the harbour area, the highest number I counted was 26. Most of the grebes and other waterfowl were to the east of the docks. Also in the harbour area was a first year White-winged Scoter, a couple of female Hooded Mergansers, and a dozen or so Lesser Scaup (I didn't think to count them). There were at least 3 more Horned Grebes off the east side, but I didn't spend too much time looking since most of the birds were well out, and I didn't have a scope. First of the year for me included 2 Phoebes, a Flicker, and 5 Cormorants. I also saw my first female Red-winged Blackbird. Further north in the park, there were lots of Song Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos. BB
After a three week absence, the link to Ontbirds at the top of this web page is working again. As I understand it, Don from the Virtual Birder website recently returned from a vacation. People might like to thank him at bmail@greatblue.com For instructions and general information about Ontbirds vist http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm Mark Cranford Ontbirds Coordinator Mississauga, Ont.
A couple (pair?) of great blue herons flew past this morning, just above the lower edge of the tree branchess as I enjoyed my coffee. Spring must be near! I am in eastern Port Credit, just west of the Cooksville Creek and the Adamson Estate,
At 3:30 today, the male BB Woodpecker was digging hard into a dead hemlock, which was 20 feet immediately east of the parking lot described below. That is, on the other side of the road from the parking lot. The following directions are copied from the Ontbirds website and are probably still useful, as the bird appears to have several favourite trees. Coming in from the entrance off Leslie Street (100m north of Eglinton) you
will go down a hill and take the road to the right/north, this road then
bends to the left at a set of washrooms (these are not the washrooms near
where the bird was seen), keep following the road and off to the left will
be a large parking lot. Park at the far end of this lot (west end) where
you will see a path that crosses a steel bridge over the Don River, follow
over the bridge and continue following the paved path this will lead you to
a second set of washrooms (smaller building), it is just beyond these
washrooms where the bird was seen.
In Reply to: rooftop geese posted by jds on April 01, 2004 at 22:10:54:
Canada Geese will occasionally nest on rooftops. GC
two canada geese atop welfare offices at wilson and clayson had to look twice, waiting for free bread?
In Reply to: Predators at Mountsberg posted by Mathew on March 31, 2004 at 21:48:18:
A few more: Snowy Owl: http://www.asic.ca/images/weekendpics3.jpg Another Eagle
http://www.asic.ca/images/weekendpics2.jpg
Re: Bird Droppings in Pool
Posted by dave on May 21, 2004 at 10:03:52:
206.47.0.172
-- 206.47.0.172
Re: Bird Droppings in Pool
Posted by Garth N. Baker on May 21, 2004 at 08:34:21:
69.197.100.77
-- 69.197.100.77
Re: Odd hybrid or mutation of red-breasted grosbeak?
Posted by Colin on May 21, 2004 at 08:14:37:
64.229.226.190
-- 64.229.226.190
Bird Droppings in Pool
Posted by Marian Lee on May 20, 2004 at 16:21:46:
66.185.84.198
-- 66.185.84.198
Odd hybrid or mutation of red-breasted grosbeak?
Posted by ZooGirl on May 20, 2004 at 14:04:54:
206.130.170.11
-- 206.130.170.11
Re: Annoying Bird
Posted by Garth N. Baker on May 20, 2004 at 08:32:09:
69.197.100.77
-- 69.197.100.77
Re: summer birding
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on May 20, 2004 at 06:44:20:
209.29.88.158
-- 209.29.88.158
Annoying Bird
Posted by Marc on May 19, 2004 at 15:34:02:
69.156.12.34
-- 69.156.12.34
a weekend of birds
Posted by John Teshima on May 18, 2004 at 18:38:25:
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
Re: Odd Falconiformes sighting
Posted by Sylvia on May 18, 2004 at 15:27:06:
216.223.140.58
-- 216.223.140.58
Re: Eastern Meadowlark
Posted by OutdoorDan on May 18, 2004 at 14:07:34:
206.47.220.198
-- 206.47.220.198
winter birds
Posted by Gerry on May 18, 2004 at 12:20:37:
198.96.134.61
-- 198.96.134.61
summer birding
Posted by John Vooys on May 18, 2004 at 00:47:59:
207.200.152.166
-- 207.200.152.166
Re: Scarborough Bluffs/Rosetta McClain Gardens
Posted by David Shilman on May 17, 2004 at 21:20:17:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Re: Scarborough Bluffs/Rosetta McClain Gardens
Posted by BIGFRANK on May 17, 2004 at 20:43:02:
64.10.126.7
-- 64.10.126.7
Re: Whats this Tiny Blue Birds Name?
Posted by Patty on May 17, 2004 at 19:03:20:
24.102.159.109
-- 24.102.159.109
Eastern Meadowlark
Posted by H. Denov on May 17, 2004 at 18:26:10:
64.231.168.29
-- 64.231.168.29
Re: ID help please
Posted by beth and reg on May 17, 2004 at 18:19:53:
67.68.32.249
-- 67.68.32.249
Scarborough Bluffs/Rosetta McClain Gardens
Posted by Charles Caty on May 17, 2004 at 17:54:17:
69.158.107.135
-- 69.158.107.135
Re: Whats this Tiny Blue Birds Name?
Posted by Anne in Stouffville on May 17, 2004 at 16:11:43:
207.61.36.101
-- 207.61.36.101
Re: Here is the picture of the Orange + Black bird
Posted by Carla on May 16, 2004 at 23:18:44:
216.208.58.153
-- 216.208.58.153
Here is the picture of the Orange + Black bird
Posted by Patty on May 16, 2004 at 20:23:59:
24.102.159.109
-- 24.102.159.109
Re: Whats this Tiny Blue Birds Name?
Posted by patty on May 16, 2004 at 20:17:13:
24.102.159.109
-- 24.102.159.109
Re: Whats this Tiny Blue Birds Name?
Posted by Al Johnston on May 16, 2004 at 20:10:18:
64.228.100.111
-- 64.228.100.111
Whats this Tiny Blue Birds Name?
Posted by Patty on May 16, 2004 at 19:59:38:
24.102.159.109
-- 24.102.159.109
Ruff-Sandhill Crane-Great Egret-Cobden, Ontario
Posted by Ken Walton Lynn Sayers on May 16, 2004 at 10:23:31:
216.58.70.111
-- 216.58.70.111
Re: what kind of bird is this
Posted by Carla on May 16, 2004 at 10:00:19:
216.208.58.153
-- 216.208.58.153
what kind of bird is this
Posted by Keith on May 16, 2004 at 09:07:23:
216.183.157.214
-- 216.183.157.214
bird banding at Tommy Thompson Park, Toronto
Posted by Charles Caty on May 15, 2004 at 14:01:35:
69.158.124.249
-- 69.158.124.249
Re: Id this bird please!
Posted by Cam on May 14, 2004 at 19:51:59:
64.229.204.17
-- 64.229.204.17
Re: New Birdwatcher
Posted by gini on May 14, 2004 at 15:55:44:
216.208.60.68
-- 216.208.60.68
orioles
Posted by gini on May 14, 2004 at 15:45:27:
216.208.60.68
-- 216.208.60.68
birding
Posted by Sam Campbell on May 14, 2004 at 14:22:04:
66.41.5.51
-- 66.41.5.51
Blackpoll warbler
Posted by Bob Kortright on May 14, 2004 at 12:23:55:
192.75.48.3
-- 192.75.48.3
Re: Loons!
Posted by George Daszkowski on May 14, 2004 at 10:47:46:
24.42.93.21
-- 24.42.93.21
Warblers, Buntings & more
Posted by Carla on May 13, 2004 at 21:29:29:
209.226.247.165
-- 209.226.247.165
Loons!
Posted by dave on May 13, 2004 at 10:15:42:
206.47.0.171
-- 206.47.0.171
Warblers in Mississauga
Posted by Brian on May 12, 2004 at 15:00:08:
24.42.81.80
-- 24.42.81.80
Scarlet Tanagers - M&F
Posted by Carla on May 12, 2004 at 14:08:55:
216.208.58.180
-- 216.208.58.180
High Park - Great Egret
Posted by Iain Fleming on May 12, 2004 at 12:18:06:
65.50.141.250
-- 65.50.141.250
Re: baltimore oreal
Posted by Carla on May 11, 2004 at 22:09:45:
209.226.247.83
-- 209.226.247.83
Re: baltimore oreal
Posted by David Shilman on May 11, 2004 at 22:07:51:
69.199.70.35
-- 69.199.70.35
baltimore oreal
Posted by Patty on May 11, 2004 at 19:03:54:
24.102.159.109
-- 24.102.159.109
Re: Id this bird please!
Posted by Al Johnston on May 11, 2004 at 17:49:28:
64.228.53.163
-- 64.228.53.163
Re: Id this bird please!
Posted by Pat Hodgson on May 11, 2004 at 16:01:06:
65.94.138.7
-- 65.94.138.7
Id this bird please!
Posted by Stephen McAllister on May 11, 2004 at 12:12:27:
216.183.19.201
-- 216.183.19.201
Migrant numbers in Mississauga
Posted by Mark Cranford on May 11, 2004 at 08:35:45:
66.46.232.73
-- 66.46.232.73
Great Egret
Posted by Bill Halliday on May 10, 2004 at 22:30:13:
65.50.137.96
-- 65.50.137.96
Mother goose out of tree
Posted by Kevin on May 10, 2004 at 21:28:42:
24.101.200.123
-- 24.101.200.123
Cape May Warbler and 14 other warbler species, Red-headed Woodpeckers, thrushes, House Wren at the Necropolis
Posted by Theresa Dobko on May 10, 2004 at 21:12:29:
69.195.32.58
-- 69.195.32.58
Re: Worm-eating warbler Toronto Necropolis
Posted by Theresa Dobko on May 10, 2004 at 20:59:13:
69.195.32.58
-- 69.195.32.58
Bird Sightings
Posted by Jim Aiken on May 10, 2004 at 20:12:43:
66.11.164.216
-- 66.11.164.216
Re: RFI on Raptors
Posted by Derek Lyon on May 10, 2004 at 15:57:32:
149.99.114.17
-- 149.99.114.17
Worm-eating warbler Toronto Necropolis
Posted by Bob Kortright on May 10, 2004 at 12:33:02:
192.75.48.3
-- 192.75.48.3
bay-breasted warbler
Posted by Charles Caty on May 10, 2004 at 12:14:45:
69.158.97.242
-- 69.158.97.242
Orioles, Hummer, Red-bellied
Posted by Carla on May 09, 2004 at 19:18:42:
209.226.247.97
-- 209.226.247.97
Re: rfi red throated dull white chest b&w wings
Posted by David Shilman on May 09, 2004 at 17:03:42:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Re: PBC Trip Report for May 08,'04 - Thickson's Woods & Second Marsh
Posted by B. Griffin on May 09, 2004 at 15:10:39:
216.192.95.8
-- 216.192.95.8
Re: rfi red throated dull white chest b&w wings
Posted by Jim on May 09, 2004 at 11:47:47:
24.100.73.213
-- 24.100.73.213
rfi red throated dull white chest b&w wings
Posted by Paul on May 09, 2004 at 10:53:31:
66.185.84.70
-- 66.185.84.70
PBC Trip Report for May 08,'04 - Thickson's Woods & Second Marsh
Posted by B. Griffin on May 09, 2004 at 08:31:26:
216.192.73.1
-- 216.192.73.1
Sora
Posted by Piers M. Perren on May 08, 2004 at 19:08:40:
64.229.73.113
-- 64.229.73.113
Clay-colored Sparrow at Toronto Necropolis
Posted by Theresa Dobko on May 08, 2004 at 07:12:47:
69.195.32.58
-- 69.195.32.58
Re: White winged Crossbills
Posted by Carla on May 07, 2004 at 18:48:56:
209.226.106.19
-- 209.226.106.19
Re: White winged Crossbills
Posted by David Shilman on May 07, 2004 at 17:30:45:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
RFI on Raptors
Posted by Cam Lockerbie on May 07, 2004 at 17:12:42:
204.50.208.4
-- 204.50.208.4
Hummingbird
Posted by Cheryl Nichol on May 07, 2004 at 16:26:45:
65.93.214.102
-- 65.93.214.102
black-throated blue warbler
Posted by Charles Caty on May 07, 2004 at 16:18:57:
64.231.16.174
-- 64.231.16.174
White winged Crossbills
Posted by Carla on May 06, 2004 at 18:08:52:
209.226.247.53
-- 209.226.247.53
Re: New Birdwatcher
Posted by Norm Murr on May 06, 2004 at 16:26:18:
65.95.159.100
-- 65.95.159.100
Sandhill Crane
Posted by Piers M. Perren on May 06, 2004 at 14:42:14:
209.167.234.36
-- 209.167.234.36
Re: New Birdwatcher
Posted by Tony Lang on May 06, 2004 at 12:46:55:
69.197.63.250
-- 69.197.63.250
Harlequin Duck - Humber Bay Park East
Posted by John Kelley on May 06, 2004 at 12:44:37:
64.229.130.138
-- 64.229.130.138
Re: New Birdwatcher
Posted by Carla on May 05, 2004 at 22:22:22:
64.228.11.130
-- 64.228.11.130
Re: Caspian terns --- Whitchurch-Stouffville
Posted by Garth N. Baker on May 05, 2004 at 21:36:38:
69.197.100.77
-- 69.197.100.77
Caspian terns --- Whitchurch-Stouffville
Posted by Al Johnston on May 05, 2004 at 17:11:37:
64.228.47.59
-- 64.228.47.59
Bird Sounds Workshop at The Arboretum
Posted by Dawn Ann Webster on May 05, 2004 at 17:05:15:
131.104.71.24
-- 131.104.71.24
Re: New Birdwatcher
Posted by Dawn Ann Webster on May 05, 2004 at 16:59:17:
131.104.71.24
-- 131.104.71.24
Housing Cavity-Nesting Birds Workshop
Posted by Dawn Ann Webster on May 05, 2004 at 16:51:17:
131.104.71.24
-- 131.104.71.24
New Birdwatcher
Posted by Marc on May 05, 2004 at 16:31:26:
69.157.3.12
-- 69.157.3.12
Pair of Bald Eagles
Posted by Noel G. on May 04, 2004 at 23:49:33:
209.148.142.38
-- 209.148.142.38
Re: ID help please
Posted by Keith Sharp on May 04, 2004 at 13:50:43:
64.229.94.139
-- 64.229.94.139
Re: ID help please
Posted by Ramona Shields on May 04, 2004 at 11:30:27:
207.112.109.68
-- 207.112.109.68
Re: ID help please
Posted by Brian Bailey on May 03, 2004 at 21:22:02:
64.231.225.120
-- 64.231.225.120
ID help please
Posted by Ramona Shields on May 03, 2004 at 20:34:07:
207.112.19.40
-- 207.112.19.40
Re: Odd Falconiformes sighting
Posted by Mathew on May 03, 2004 at 19:04:37:
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
Turkey Vulture - May 2nd, 2004
Posted by kathy ryan on May 03, 2004 at 12:48:39:
199.243.8.57
-- 199.243.8.57
black and white warbler
Posted by Charles Caty on May 03, 2004 at 10:03:18:
69.158.97.241
-- 69.158.97.241
Re: can anyone help?
Posted by Jim on May 03, 2004 at 08:26:43:
24.100.73.213
-- 24.100.73.213
can anyone help?
Posted by Elizabeth Dyer on May 03, 2004 at 08:07:57:
65.95.159.50
-- 65.95.159.50
Re: RFI: Carolina Wren, birding spots
Posted by Brian Bailey on May 02, 2004 at 23:58:53:
64.231.216.92
-- 64.231.216.92
Mother Goose in a tree
Posted by Kevin on May 02, 2004 at 21:22:58:
24.101.200.123
-- 24.101.200.123
Warblers, Etc. At Colonel Sam Smith Park
Posted by Brian Bailey on May 01, 2004 at 21:39:22:
64.231.220.93
-- 64.231.220.93
Nashville,
Yellow,
Black-throated Green,
Blackburnian,
Palm,
Ovenbird,
Northern Waterthrush,
and Common Yellowthroat.
Eastern Towhee (in my backyard),
Chipping,
Field,
Savannah,
Song,
Lincoln’s,
Swamp,
White-throated (plentiful),
White-crowned (plentiful),
And Dark-eyed Junco.
Horned Grebe,
Red-necked Grebe,
Greater Scaup,
American Coot,
and Cliff Swallow.
Hooded Warbler in the Toronto Necropolis
Posted by Theresa Dobko on May 01, 2004 at 15:54:05:
69.195.32.58
-- 69.195.32.58
Re: Odd Falconiformes sighting
Posted by james on May 01, 2004 at 13:30:54:
129.9.163.105
-- 129.9.163.105
Odd Falconiformes sighting
Posted by James on May 01, 2004 at 13:26:22:
129.9.163.105
-- 129.9.163.105
White Crowned & White Throated
Posted by Carla on May 01, 2004 at 09:57:51:
216.208.58.120
-- 216.208.58.120
Re: baltimore oriole
Posted by Carla on May 01, 2004 at 09:53:56:
216.208.58.120
-- 216.208.58.120
Re: baltimore oriole
Posted by Gail Christoff on April 30, 2004 at 21:30:03:
69.158.108.217
-- 69.158.108.217
baltimore oriole
Posted by Ramona Shields on April 30, 2004 at 16:35:56:
207.112.109.87
-- 207.112.109.87
NOMO with dark eye?
Posted by john on April 29, 2004 at 18:15:58:
67.68.41.246
-- 67.68.41.246
Re: RFI: Carolina Wren, birding spots
Posted by Derek Lyon on April 29, 2004 at 17:41:28:
149.99.112.1
-- 149.99.112.1
RFI: Carolina Wren, birding spots
Posted by Christopher Di Corrado on April 29, 2004 at 08:00:09:
66.38.206.180
-- 66.38.206.180
Re: Help with Owls
Posted by Pat Hodgson on April 28, 2004 at 11:29:48:
65.94.128.153
-- 65.94.128.153
Help with Owls
Posted by Piers M. Perren on April 28, 2004 at 09:52:11:
209.167.234.36
-- 209.167.234.36
Re: Fork-tailed flycatcher -- Tyrannus savana
Posted by Brian Henshaw on April 28, 2004 at 09:29:00:
216.254.175.243
-- 216.254.175.243
RFI Turkey Vultures
Posted by Athena on April 28, 2004 at 09:08:29:
64.72.236.164
-- 64.72.236.164
Re: Fork-tailed flycatcher -- Tyrannus savana
Posted by Al Johnston on April 27, 2004 at 20:04:09:
64.228.102.189
-- 64.228.102.189
Re: Fork-tailed flycatcher -- Tyrannus savana
Posted by Brandon H on April 27, 2004 at 17:02:16:
24.215.56.91
-- 24.215.56.91
Fork-tailed flycatcher -- Tyrannus savana
Posted by Al Johnston on April 27, 2004 at 14:35:33:
64.228.53.107
-- 64.228.53.107
High Park Warblers
Posted by Iain Fleming on April 27, 2004 at 14:35:24:
65.50.141.250
-- 65.50.141.250
rednecked grebe
Posted by Pat Gangl on April 27, 2004 at 08:33:22:
69.194.80.104
-- 69.194.80.104
Re: A rather brazen flicker
Posted by Marcel Gahbauer on April 26, 2004 at 10:00:52:
209.29.107.107
-- 209.29.107.107
A rather brazen flicker
Posted by Cam on April 25, 2004 at 14:11:26:
204.50.208.4
-- 204.50.208.4
Re: Caspian Terns in Mississauga?
Posted by Bill Halliday on April 25, 2004 at 09:36:28:
65.50.137.96
-- 65.50.137.96
PBC Trip Report to Long Point Area for April 24 - Six Warbler Species Seen
Posted by B. Griffin on April 25, 2004 at 09:22:27:
216.192.87.128
-- 216.192.87.128
Re: Caspian Terns in Mississauga?
Posted by Al Johnston on April 25, 2004 at 09:00:19:
64.228.53.177
-- 64.228.53.177
Caspian Terns in Mississauga?
Posted by Jean Humphries on April 24, 2004 at 22:44:52:
69.90.77.190
-- 69.90.77.190
Re: RFI Toronto Birds
Posted by Joel Kits on April 24, 2004 at 21:07:45:
66.185.84.198
-- 66.185.84.198
RFI Toronto Birds
Posted by Jonathan Gendzier on April 23, 2004 at 21:42:35:
66.177.52.140
-- 66.177.52.140
Re: Pink-footed Goose
Posted by Mark Cranford on April 23, 2004 at 21:33:14:
142.154.113.89
-- 142.154.113.89
Oshawa Second Marsh report, for the APRIL 17 - APRIL 22 2004
Posted by Tyler Hoar on April 22, 2004 at 23:32:04:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Bird Walk - Saturday, April 24th
Posted by Brian Bailey on April 22, 2004 at 22:38:10:
64.231.220.82
-- 64.231.220.82
Pink-footed Goose
Posted by Brendan O'Sullivan on April 19, 2004 at 19:19:00:
66.185.84.70
-- 66.185.84.70
Brown Thrasher Makes Spring Debut
Posted by Keith Sharp on April 19, 2004 at 14:47:24:
64.229.199.53
-- 64.229.199.53
link
Posted by Carla on April 19, 2004 at 05:01:36:
216.208.58.187
-- 216.208.58.187
Re: RFI: Dates of Migration
Posted by Carla on April 19, 2004 at 05:00:05:
216.208.58.187
-- 216.208.58.187
Migrants at Sam Smith Today
Posted by Brian Bailey on April 18, 2004 at 22:34:19:
64.231.227.13
-- 64.231.227.13
PBC Outing on April 17th - Cootes Paradise and Beamer's C.A.
Posted by B. Griffin on April 18, 2004 at 08:54:34:
216.192.73.133
-- 216.192.73.133
Re: RFI: Dates of Migration
Posted by Barbara Taylor on April 17, 2004 at 16:06:26:
64.229.195.232
-- 64.229.195.232
RFI: Dates of Migration
Posted by Jeff on April 17, 2004 at 15:52:52:
24.43.156.232
-- 24.43.156.232
Thanks to all...
Posted by Rob on April 17, 2004 at 10:24:38:
69.156.204.18
-- 69.156.204.18
Re: Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the JULY 4 - JULY 31,
Posted by Corey Mystyshyn on April 17, 2004 at 09:48:03:
24.157.170.90
-- 24.157.170.90
Oshawa Second Marsh report, for the APRIL 9 - APRIL 16
Posted by Tyler Hoar on April 17, 2004 at 09:37:22:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Re: Trumpeter Swan tagged 737
Posted by Chris on April 17, 2004 at 08:21:50:
209.240.205.63
-- 209.240.205.63
Re: Tom Thompson Park
Posted by Richard Gonin on April 16, 2004 at 15:55:21:
24.141.240.233
-- 24.141.240.233
Re: Tom Thompson Park
Posted by David Shilman on April 16, 2004 at 15:16:36:
66.185.85.70
-- 66.185.85.70
Canadian Ornithology
Posted by Lynn on April 16, 2004 at 13:35:21:
216.58.70.30
-- 216.58.70.30
Re: Tom Thompson Park
Posted by Derek Lyon on April 16, 2004 at 12:15:12:
149.99.115.76
-- 149.99.115.76
Tom Thompson Park
Posted by Rob on April 16, 2004 at 00:18:47:
67.68.154.112
-- 67.68.154.112
Golden Crowned Kinglets
Posted by Chrissi Nan on April 15, 2004 at 09:05:47:
207.34.229.145
-- 207.34.229.145
Trumpeter Swan tagged 737
Posted by Tom Andersen on April 14, 2004 at 10:22:11:
207.219.21.6
-- 207.219.21.6
Re: RFI: Hairy Woodpecker
Posted by Barbara Taylor on April 14, 2004 at 08:35:36:
67.70.64.43
-- 67.70.64.43
Re: RFI: Hairy Woodpecker
Posted by Barbara Taylor on April 14, 2004 at 08:30:59:
67.70.64.43
-- 67.70.64.43
RFI: Hairy Woodpecker
Posted by Derek Lyon on April 13, 2004 at 12:51:57:
149.99.114.184
-- 149.99.114.184
Would I have seen a Merganser?
Posted by Mathew on April 12, 2004 at 17:48:48:
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
Black Throated Green Warbler
Posted by Brian on April 12, 2004 at 10:00:02:
66.185.84.70
-- 66.185.84.70
Re: RFI Looking For Wood Cock
Posted by Guy Granka on April 11, 2004 at 21:36:15:
199.235.127.250
-- 199.235.127.250
Re: Female Harlequin at Humber East
Posted by Glenn Coady on April 11, 2004 at 16:24:47:
69.194.113.66
-- 69.194.113.66
Female Harlequin at Humber East
Posted by Keith Sharp on April 11, 2004 at 14:18:01:
69.156.17.242
-- 69.156.17.242
Re: Etobicoke Creek Valley - help me ID?
Posted by B. Griffin on April 11, 2004 at 12:18:17:
216.192.86.14
-- 216.192.86.14
Etobicoke Creek Valley - help me ID?
Posted by Mathew on April 11, 2004 at 11:56:36:
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
Mallards
Posted by Colleen on April 11, 2004 at 09:02:21:
64.231.159.216
-- 64.231.159.216
PBC Outing on April 10-Oshawa/Ajax/Whitby
Posted by B. Griffin on April 11, 2004 at 08:30:37:
216.192.83.4
-- 216.192.83.4
GREAT TFN nature walk at ward, Snake & Algonquin island.
Posted by Kabir Joshi-Vijayan on April 10, 2004 at 16:27:02:
205.188.116.133
-- 205.188.116.133
C.Loons TTP 04-09-04
Posted by Craig McLauchlan on April 10, 2004 at 16:00:58:
64.228.116.141
-- 64.228.116.141
Re: Mystery Duck?
Posted by Al Johnston on April 10, 2004 at 11:39:17:
64.228.47.111
-- 64.228.47.111
Re: RFI Looking For Wood Cock
Posted by Brendan O'Sullivan on April 10, 2004 at 09:26:59:
66.185.84.70
-- 66.185.84.70
Hundreds of Red-necked Grebes at Col Sam Smith Park
Posted by Brian Bailey on April 10, 2004 at 00:08:36:
64.231.225.183
-- 64.231.225.183
Red-necked grebes,gadwalls and more
Posted by Kabir Joshi-Vijayan on April 09, 2004 at 20:02:18:
64.12.116.133
-- 64.12.116.133
RFI Looking For Wood Cock
Posted by Guy Granka on April 09, 2004 at 19:53:00:
199.235.127.250
-- 199.235.127.250
Re: Amherst Island
Posted by Guy Granka on April 09, 2004 at 19:42:06:
199.235.127.250
-- 199.235.127.250
Re: Horned Grebes
Posted by guy granka on April 09, 2004 at 19:37:39:
199.235.127.250
-- 199.235.127.250
Wild Turkey
Posted by guy granka on April 09, 2004 at 18:56:42:
69.157.5.249
-- 69.157.5.249
Re: Red Wing Blackbirds
Posted by Gail Christoff on April 09, 2004 at 17:21:23:
69.158.99.227
-- 69.158.99.227
Re: Mystery Duck?
Posted by Barbara Taylor on April 09, 2004 at 12:27:12:
67.71.42.174
-- 67.71.42.174
Re: Great Blue Herons
Posted by Colleen on April 09, 2004 at 09:39:34:
67.68.63.233
-- 67.68.63.233
Oshawa Second Marsh and vicinity birding report, for the APRIL 1 - APRIL 8, 2004 period
Posted by Tyler Hoar on April 08, 2004 at 13:56:35:
24.100.72.12
-- 24.100.72.12
Re: Mystery Duck?
Posted by Garth N. Baker on April 08, 2004 at 13:50:36:
69.197.100.77
-- 69.197.100.77
Red Wing Blackbirds
Posted by Edwin Makkinga on April 08, 2004 at 12:44:33:
64.26.178.60
-- 64.26.178.60
Re: Mystery Duck?
Posted by Al Johnston on April 08, 2004 at 09:31:03:
64.228.47.169
-- 64.228.47.169
Mystery Duck?
Posted by Kin Lau on April 07, 2004 at 22:38:54:
66.11.164.150
-- 66.11.164.150
Re: mockingbird whistle/caller
Posted by Garth N. Baker on April 07, 2004 at 09:35:20:
69.197.100.77
-- 69.197.100.77
Re: Red-Necked Grebe
Posted by Vince McNally on April 07, 2004 at 08:54:17:
67.71.55.248
-- 67.71.55.248
Red-Necked Grebe
Posted by Vince McNally on April 06, 2004 at 21:02:04:
64.229.233.211
-- 64.229.233.211
mockingbird whistle/caller
Posted by Opale on April 06, 2004 at 15:44:00:
69.158.85.52
-- 69.158.85.52
Great Egret
Posted by Geoff Sinton on April 06, 2004 at 10:43:31:
205.210.222.129
-- 205.210.222.129
Tree Swallows, Winter Wren at Col Sam Sunday
Posted by Brian Bailey on April 04, 2004 at 23:18:18:
64.231.225.20
-- 64.231.225.20
Grebes & Other Migrants at Colonel Sam
Posted by Brian Bailey on April 03, 2004 at 23:58:29:
64.231.216.193
-- 64.231.216.193
Ontbirds Link Working Again
Posted by Mark Cranford on April 03, 2004 at 23:28:01:
142.154.115.129
-- 142.154.115.129
Great Blue Herons
Posted by George Daszkowski on April 03, 2004 at 07:51:37:
24.42.93.21
-- 24.42.93.21
Black-backed Woodpecker at Leslie & Eglinton
Posted by Rick Lauzon on April 02, 2004 at 16:37:42:
64.10.100.107
-- 64.10.100.107
Re: rooftop geese
Posted by Glenn Coady on April 02, 2004 at 08:45:50:
142.76.1.62
-- 142.76.1.62
rooftop geese
Posted by jds on April 01, 2004 at 22:10:54:
24.141.108.230
-- 24.141.108.230
Re: Predators at Mountsberg
Posted by Mathew on March 31, 2004 at 21:49:37:
24.42.163.230
-- 24.42.163.230
