Yesterday, Dec. 6, Bob Tyler, Jenny Bull and I birded the Toronto Islands from Ward’s Island to Gibraltar Point and following are a few birds that some Toronto Winter Birders may find of interest.
- 2 Double-crested Cormorants – 1 in the Lighthouse Pond on Gibraltar and 1 off Snake Island on the Yacht Club Pier just to the west. - All 3 Mergansers species. - Belted Kingfisher – 1 over the Lighthouse and Trout Ponds and 1 over the lagoon on Ward’s Island. - Red-bellied Woodpecker – 1 has been seen for the last few days on Algonquin Island – not see by us yesterday. - Both Nuthatches. - 2 Brown Creepers. - 4 Hermit Thrushes - 2 on Ward’s Island just to the south of Lakeshore Ave. and First St. and 2 on Snake Island – Note:- Their may have been as many as 5 Hermits together on Snake Island but 5 birds flew across the path one after another too quick to be sure but we did get to ID 2 of them. - 2 Catbirds - 1 on Ward’s Island just to the south of Lakeshore Ave. and First St. And 1 on Snake Island. - Northern Mockingbird – a continuing bird on Algonquin Island. - Yellow-rumped Warbler – 1 bird easily seen by us and others “for the last few days” along the Boardwalk east of the road onto Algonquin Island. - Brown-headed Cowbird – 1 adult male on Ward’s Island opposite Algonquin Island but probably frequents the feeders on Algonquin. Winter Ferry and Islands Information. Masked wearing is mandatory on the ferry. Note:- There is a washroom at the city side of the docks but the washroom on the ferry is closed due to Corvid and there is a washroom on Ward's Island straight out from the ferry dock at the corner of Lakeshore Ave. and Fifth St. There is also a washroom at the Island Fire Station west of the ferry dock and another one on Centre Island just west of the bridge. There are no washrooms or fountains on Algonquin Island and no washrooms on Snake Island. The Riviera Café just east of the bridge onto Algonquin Island (west of the ferry dock) is closed until next Spring. The Island Café straight out from the ferry dock is closed until further notice. Be aware that there are still some Frisbie players on Ward's Island so be alert in the course area. Note:- There are no washrooms on Gibraltar Point. The only washrooms open on Hanlan's is at the docks. You can obtain water at all washrooms All water fountains are turned off until next Spring. Another Note:- The Island ferry schedule - Be aware that there is only one ferry operating from now until next Spring and that is to Ward's Island. The first boats are at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 am Monday to Saturday and 8:00 and 9:00 am on Sunday. And no matter how far you walk you will have to walk back to the Ward's Island ferry :>(( You can obtain ferry schedules, prices, restrictions, etc. at - https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/toronto-island-park/all-ferry-schedules/ Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON -- Ontbirds and Birdnews are moderated email Listservs provided by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) as a service to all birders in Ontario. Birdnews is reserved for announcements, location summaries, first of year reports, etc. To post a message on Birdnews, send an email to: [email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Birdnews Moderators by email at [email protected]. Please review posting rules and guidelines at http://ofo.ca/site/content/listserv-guidelines To edit your membership settings visit the Birdnews setup page at: http://ontbirds.ca/mailman/listinfo/birdnews_ontbirds.ca. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Ontario birders should be taking extra precautions and following local, provincial, and federal regulations regarding physical distancing and non-essential travel. To find out more about OFO, please visit our website at ofo.ca or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists.
