Following Norm Murr's report of the Chestnut-collared Longspurs on the islands yesterday, I went over there today, knowing it was a long-shot that they'd still be there, but there's always something to see there anyway.
I took the 7am ferry to Wards and hiked over speedily to the airport area on Hanlan's Point. I did a pretty thorough search of the area where Norm and Alfred had spotted the longspurs, but had no luck finding them. However, the effort paid off as I had great looks at a Leconte's Sparrow. This bird was about half way along the fence on the west side of the airport, in the weeds and grasses. This area is rich in sparrow species. The raptors know this too and a Cooper's Hawk landed on the fence not 5 metres away from me, oblivious to my presence, while it searched for something tasty. A Sharp-shinned Hawk pursued one of the several Meadowlarks that were on the airfield and in the surrounding grasses. I also saw a Peregrine and a Red-tailed Hawk in this same area. There were plenty of Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes and Phoebes, but my warbler sightings were restricted to the still plentiful Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers, although Margaret Liubavicius, who I met on the path, had seen a Nashville. No sign of Norm's Pileated, either; just Sapsuckers, Flickers and Downies. Thanks, Norm, for introducing me to this great birding locale. Directions:- (PER NORM MURR): TORONTO ISLANDS - WINTER SCHEDULE (Wards Island to Hanlans Point - without side trips is 5 km) To get to the Toronto Islands from Queen and Yonge Streets on the TTC. If you are on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay and you are there. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queens Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). There is a fee for using the island ferries ($6.00 adult / $3.50 for seniors & students) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193. There are washrooms on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks or check on line. The 1st boat to Wards Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. On Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, the 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am The 1st boat to Hanlans Point is 9:00 am - Monday to Friday only. There are no boats to Centre Island in the Winter If arriving in early am you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and/or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machine does not make change. (There is a change machine there if you want to chance it). There are coffee shops across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner and they are open early. For a detailed ferry schedule check the following web site. http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/springschedule.htm
