This afternoon from 1:00 to 4:10 pm I went back to see if the Whimbrels
would still be moving through.
I found some fairly large flocks, most of which seemed to setting a
direct trajectory toward the most southern point on the peninsula, then
about 1-2 km out changed course and moved inland between Toronto and the
area of Grand Harbour/Humber Bay Park. I really believe the nw winds were a
major factor in driving birds further offshore than if it was relatively
calm.
Phenology and sizes of the flocks: 13:05: 110 about 1.5 km offshore from
ese; 210 at 13:26; 350 at 13:29 (about 1 km out flying at 1000'); 185 at
13:37 (out about 2.5 km); 110 + 80 at 13:58 (3 km out; moving from ese to nw
at 2000'); 11 flying from sse to nnw directly over the end of point at 200';
[EMAIL PROTECTED]:11 flying nnw over Grand Harbour/Humber Bay Park; 23 at 1519
(from se
to nnw 2 km offshore); 5 at 15:55 (circling over low over the park at 100'
call then flew nw). The total this afternoon was a respectable 1151.
No Whimbrels were seen south or southwest of the point, unlike last year
when large numbers to the sw. The heat waves were a major factor today,
especially in the afternoon, severely limiting visibility over the water.
My binocular are 15x, but even then, most were just barely visible but close
enough to differentiate these from the huge flocks of cormorants flying too
and fro virtually in every direction.
I would appreciate if every one who recorded Whimbels (with times, if you
have them) over or off the Park would post them here so we can get an
accurate day total, for future reference.
I really think that today's movement will continue into at least
tomorrow. Remember last year, observers recorded 9000+ over a period 9 days
in this location and in adjacent areas? And it's not too late rush down
there now for a potential evening flight!
I also recorded two Dunlin flocks of 32 and 60, the later travelling
with a five Black-bellied Plovers.
Directions:
The park is located in Etobicoke and located off the Kipling at Lakeshore.
The parking lot (with free parking!) is located at the terminus of the road
that continues from Kipling south through Humber College and just ne of the
Etobicoke Yacht Club.
Wayne Renaud
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