[ONTBIRDS] Toronto Islands - Slaty-backed Gull afain
Today Bob Tyler and I spotted the adult Slaty-backed Gull at about 2:00 pm as it flew past going south just off the beach on the west side of Hanlan’s Point. It flew south towards the west side of Gibraltar Point where there was a huge feeding frenzy containing a large number of Ring-billed and Herring Gulls. 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. Ontbirds is reserved for sightings of provincially rare birds. To post a message on Ontbirds, send an email to: birdalert@ontbirds.ca. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Ontbirds Moderators by email at birdal...@ofo.ca. Please review posting rules and guidelines at http://ofo.ca/site/content/listserv-guidelines To edit your membership settings visit the Ontbirds setup page at: http://ontbirds.ca/mailman/listinfo/birdalert_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.
[ONTBIRDS] Toronto Islands - Western Kingbird and Louisiana Waterthrush
Today Bob Tyler, Margaret Liubavicius and I found a Western Kingbird and a Louisiana Waterthrush on the Toronto Islands. We found the Western Kingbird on Ward’s Island at 1:45 pm Between the bridge onto Snug Harbour and the Island Church and as we return through the area we again spotted the bird at 3:25 pm. The Louisiana Waterthrush was beside the lagoon just south of the Island Church. Both of these areas are west of the Ward’s Island ferry dock. Two ice finds that helped make our day. 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. Ontbirds is reserved for sightings of provincially rare birds. To post a message on Ontbirds, send an email to: birdalert@ontbirds.ca. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Ontbirds Moderators by email at birdal...@ofo.ca. Please review posting rules and guidelines at http://ofo.ca/site/content/listserv-guidelines To edit your membership settings visit the Ontbirds setup page at: http://ontbirds.ca/mailman/listinfo/birdalert_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.
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Cackling Geese
Migration seems to be quite slow on The Islands but we did find 6 Cackling Geese together on the harbour side of Ward’s Island between the corner of Channel Island and First St. And the Eastern Gap concrete. Other new birds between the ferry dock and the Snake Island bridge were a Double-crested Cormorant flying past over the harbour off the dock and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and a Hermit Thrush just east of the Snake Island Bridge. Maybe the next few days migration will pick up but if the weather stays as forecast (don’t bet the farm on that happening) then Friday looks like the best day. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - May be of interest to Toronto Winter listers
1 Black Scoter – on the Toronto Harbour close off Snake Island 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull – adult – on Long Pond (lagoon) between Mugg’s Island and The Sanctuary – best seen from Hanlan’s Point if you are not using a scope. 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets – along The Boardwalk Lesser Interest 3 Trumpeter Swans 1 Peregrine Falcon over the ferry dock Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Yesterday - Golden Eagle, Blue Birds, etc.
Yesterday Bob Tyler and I again birded the Toronto Islands and though there were not many passerines we did okay and below are some of the birds we found. 1 Cormorant only, 5 Great Blue Herons, 9 Trumpeter Swans including 4 grown Signets, Wood Duck, Greater Scaup, Gadwall, Black Duck, 50+ White-winged Scoters, 88 Common Goldeneye, 350+ Bufflehead, all 3 Mergansers, Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawks, Rough-legged Hawk, an adult Golden Eagle, Great black-backed Gulls, migrating American Crows, 2 noisy Common Ravens together overhead, 40 Eastern Bluebirds, Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Tree Sparrows and House Finches. Almost all of the Bufflehead were in the lagoons except for some off Snake Island and there may have been more White-winged Scoters plus some Black and Surf Scoters on the lake off Gibraltar Point (the usual place in the winter) but the waves were quite high and the birds were well out beyond the surf. Just 2 Scaup seen but they are coming. Bluebirds – Though you may find them anywhere this time of year the best places (in my opinion) on windy days are at the south end of the Filtration Plant (beside the road) and on the north side of the Trout Pond. Wednesday may be a good day down there as NW winds are predicted and waves on the lake and harbour should not be as high as they were yesterday. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, On Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands yesterday -Scoters, Bluebirds, Pipits, etc.
Yesterday Bob Tyler and I birded the Toronto Islands on a beautiful Winters day, at least it looked and felt like winter but very nice scenery. Following are some of the birds we found. Only 3 Cormorants, Great Blue Heron, Mute and Trumpeter Swans, high, south bound Canada Geese, 6 Black, 2 Surf and 125+ White-winged Scoters the actual number of Black and Surf Scoters were undercounted as we were birding without scopes, Common Goldeneyes, 110+ Buffleheads, 73 Hooded, 400+ Red-breasted and only 1 Common Merganser, Turkey Vultures, Northern Harrier, 2 very late juvenile Broad-winged Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Merlin, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Eastern Phoebe, Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren, 28 Eastern Bluebirds, A. Robins, Hermit Thrush, 7 American Pipits, Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Tree, Song and White-throated Sparrows, 5 Fox Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos and 100+ Red-winged Blackbirds flying west. Vole, Mink, Beaver and Coyote tracks as well. A Good Day. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, On Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Golden Eagle, Snowy Owl, E. Kingbird, etc.
Yesterday Bob Tyler, Margaret Liubavicius and I birded Hanlan’s Point and part of Gibraltar Point on a nice cool and enjoyable day and following are some of the birds we found. 2 Pied-billed Grebes, Great Blue Herons, 6 Trumpeter Swans, Black Ducks, Northern Shovelers, Hooded Merganser, 148 Turkey Vultures, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks, 3 Red-shouldered Hawks, Golden Eagle, A. Kestrels, 5 Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, a surprise find of a Snowy Owl, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, N. Flickers, 17 E. Phoebes, a very, very late and surprising Eastern Kingbird, 34 A. Crows, Golden-crowned and 19 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 31 Hermit Thrushes (undercounted), 62 Robins, 2 Orange-crowned Warblers, Nashville, Black-throated Blue and Palm Warblers, 100+ Yellow-rumped Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, 3 E. Towhees, Chipping, Field, Swamp, White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows, 150+ Song Sparrows (undercounted) and E. Meadowlark. We also enjoyed watching a little A. Kestrel harassing A. Crows and as it returned back to the Crow flock it turned on and harassed a Cooper’s Hawk as well. Fun to watch the Kestrel as it wheeled and dove on the very much larger birds. PS – This is the last weekend for ferries to Hanlan’s Point and Centre Island as only the Ward’s Island ferry will operate until next spring so a long walk to and from Hanlan’s until then. The winter schedule goes into effect this coming Monday. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Fish Crow, Clay-colored Sparrow, etc.
Yesterday Bob Tyler, Margaret Liubavicius and I birded Hanlan’s Point on a beautiful sunny day and following are some of the birds we found. Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Wood Duck, American Wigeon, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, 2 Least Flycatchers, 47 Eastern Phoebes, Fish Crow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, both Kinglets, Swainson’s Thrush, 46 Hermit Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, Cedar Waxwing, 11 Blue-headed Vireos, 3 Orange-crowned Warblers, Nashville Warblers, Northern Parula, 40 Yellow-rump Warblers, Blackburnian. Black-throated Green and Palm Warblers, Clay-colored Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, 52 Song Sparrows, Swamp Sparrows, 50+ White-throated Sparrows, 35+ White-crowned Sparrows, Dark-eyed Junco, 4 Eastern Meadowlarks, Purple Finch and House Finch. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Sedge Wrens, Clay-colored and Le Conte's Sparrows, etc.
Today Friday Oct. 4 Bob Tyler, Margaret Liubavicius, Jenny Bull and I birded Hanlan’s and Gibraltar Points and though it was a long day it was a good day and tomorrow could be very good as well (or not). Following are some of the birds we found. 2 Pied-billed Grebes, Great Blue Herons, Great Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, 2 Trumpeter Swans, 14 Wood Ducks, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, 70 Turkey Vultures, 5 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 4 Cooper’s Hawks, 2 Merlin, 2 Peregrine Falcons, Killdeer, Black-billed Cuckoo, Belted Kingfisher, 26 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. 18 Northern Flickers, Least Flycatcher, 31 Eastern Phoebes, 200+ Blue Jays, 109 American Crows, Brown Creepers, 3 House Wrens, 10 Winter Wrens, 2 Sedge Wrens, 1 Marsh Wren, 50+ each of Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Swainson’s Thrush, Hermit Thrush, 17 Gray Catbirds, 9 Blue-headed Vireos, 1 Yellow-throated Vireo, Red-eyed Vireos, 12 Warbler species including Orang-e Crowned Northern Parula, Cape-May, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Palm, Pine, Nashville, Wilson’s and only 5 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 8 Sparrow species – 2 Clay-colored Sparrows, Field Sparrow, Le-Conte’s Sparrow, 38 Song Sparrows, 8 Swamp Sparrows, 100+ White-throated Sparros, 50+ White-crowned Sparrows and 6 Dark-eyed Juncos. Kinglets, White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows were mostly undercounted as were the migrating Blue Jays. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, Ontario Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands yesterday - Nelson's Sparrow, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, etc.
Yesterday, Sept. 24th Bob Tyler, Margaret Liubavicius, Paul Brooks and I birded Hanlan’s Point and it turned out to be another good day down there. 90% of the Warblers except for the Palm Warblers were seen in the Hanlan’s ferry dock area and following are some of the birds we found with most of the Raptors being spotted by Paul and the Nelson’s thanks to Margaret. Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebes, Great Blue Herons, Great Egret, Wood Ducks, Gadwalls, Turkey Vultures, Northern Harriers, Sharp-shined, Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrel, Merlins, 2 Peregrine Falcons together, Sanderlings, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Eastern Wood-Pewees, Least Flycatchers. Eastern Phoebes, Red-breasted Nuthatches, House Wren, Gray Catbirds, American Pipits, Cedar Waxwings, Blue-headed, Yellow-throated, Red-eyed and Philadelphia Vireos, 16 Warbler species including Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, Tennessee Warbler, Orange-Crowned Warbler, Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green Warblers, Pine Warblers, 56 Palm Warblers (undercounted for sure), 12 Northern Parulas (also undercounted), Bay-breasted, Blackpoll and Black-and-white Warblers, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Chipping, Savanah, Song, Swamp, White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows and a very nice view of a Nelson’s Sparrow. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, Ontario l Now that the warbler season ( my wording ) is running down with no regular warbler species expected between now and the end of the year so I totaled up how many species were found this year on The Islands and it was a whopping 35 species plus Yellow Palm Warbler. That is the most species that I have ever seen posted from The Islands during one year since I started birding down there on a regular basis in 1980. Between 1980 and this year there were 39 warbler species found on The Islands. Not seen this year and not expected were Worm-eating Warbler, Swainson’s Warbler, Kirtland’s Warbler and Yellow-breasted Chat but some of the warbler species seen this year were not expected either. Nice going guys and by the way it was more than just me birding down there, this year and during the years from 1980. Norm Murr Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands yesterday - Bald Eagles, Blue-winged Warbler, etc.
Yesterday Bob Tyler and I birded Hanlan’s Point and the area at and around the Trout Pond on Gibraltar Point and again it was a slow migration day and about 95% of the small bird sightings were in the area at and beside the Hanlan’s Ferry dock. Gadwalls, Wood Ducks, Blue-winged Teal, 2 Pied-billed Grebes, Great Egret, 2 Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, Broad-winged and Red-tailed Hawks. Merlin, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Least Flycatcher, Blue-headed and Philadelphia Vireos, Red-breasted Nuthatches, 1 Gnatcatcher only, Gray Catbirds, 1 late male Blue-winged Warbler, Black-and-white, Cape May, Magnolia, Bay-breasted (16), Yellow-rumped, and Wilson’s Warblers, American Redstarts, 11 Northern Parulas, Common Yellowthroat and Song Sparrows. The beach area west of the airfield fence was almost birdless except for a couple of Song Sparrows but there were many Monarch Butterflies there both overhead and on the damp sand areas. Norm Murr Richmond Hill. Ontario Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Townsend's and Connecticut Warblers, etc.
Yesterday Sept. 17/19 Bob Tyler and I birded Ward’s Island and we did come up with some nice birds besides the 2 title birds and following are some of them. 1 female Long-tailed Duck, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Sharp-shined Hawk, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Flickers, Eastern Wood-Pewees, Yellow-bellied, Least and Great Crested Flycatchers, White-breasted Nuthatches, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Swainson’s and Wood Thrushes, Catbirds, Brown Thrasher, Warbling, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, 21 warbler species including Tennessee, 2 Orange-crowned, Nashville, 6 Parulas, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Cape-May, Blk-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped, TOWNSEND’S, Blk-throated Green, Blackburnian, Palm, Bay-breasted, Black and White, Redstart, Ovenbird, CONNECTICUT, Mourning, Wilson’s and Canada Warbler and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. After I left for the ferry Bob found 3 Yellow-throated Vireos and a Scarlet Tanager on Dacotah Ave. on Algonquin Island. Finally a sign that migration is picking up down there. Norm Murr Richmond Hill. ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Prairie and Connecticut Warblers
Yesterday and Wednesday Bob Tyler and I birded Ward’s Island and a small part of Algonquin Island and though migration still seems slow and sparse we did find some nice birds including the following. Great Blue Herons, Osprey, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks, Kestrel, Merlins, Woodcock, Chimney Swifts, Hummingbirds, Flickers, Olive-sided, Yellow-bellied, Willow, Least and Great-crested Flycatchers, Pewee and Kingbirds, 3 Common Ravens, White-breasted Nuthatches, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Veery, Catbirds, Cedar Waxwings, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, 14 warbler species (all in small numbers) including, Cape-May, Blk-th Blue, Pine, Prairie, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Connecticut, Wilson’s, Ovenbird and N. Waterthrush, only 2 N. Orioles but 5 Mink, several Toads, and a couple of Brown Snakes. Yesterday we saw about 75+ Monarchs and on Wednesday about 200+ Monarchs and the Sabre Jet that I reported last time was actually a Mig 15. Grass is very thick and wet in many places but trails are free of water but a bit muddy in some places as in some of the open areas beyond Snake Island. Good Luck with your outing this weekend Gavin. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, On Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Bk-B Plovers, Olive-sided Flycatchers, etc.
Yesterday Bob Tyler and I birded Ward’s Island and a small part of Algonquin Island and though migration has picked up some it’s slow but following are some of the birds we found. Great Egrets, Osprey, Merlin, 30+ Black-bellied Plovers flying west overhead, 7 Hummingbirds, Belted Kingfisher, 7 Flycatcher species including 3 Olive-sided Flycatchers together (2 adults and 1 juvenile), Yellow-bellied and Great-crested Flycatchers, lots of Eastern Kingbirds, 1 only Tree and Barn Swallow, House Wrens, 9 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers including juveniles, lots of Catbirds including juveniles, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos and 15 Warbler species but none in big numbers but it’s encouraging. We also spotted some Snow Birds and a 1950’s Sabre Jet along with a WWII Lancaster bomber. Norm Murr Richmond Hill. ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Cuckoo and Broad-winged Hawk
Yesterday Bob Tyler and I birded Ward’s Island and small parts of Algonquin and Snake Islands and though migration is very slow starting we did find some new birds but only only 6 warblers, 5 single species and 2 Redstarts and another N. Waterthrush. We also saw 4 Great Egrets, a first fall Broad-winged Hawk, a few Chimney Swifts, several Hummingbirds, 6 Flycatcher species, again in very small numbers, Gnatcatchers, a Black-billed Cuckoo, House and Carolina Wrens. Hopefully things pick up soon. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Olive-sided Flycatcher, Connecticut Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, etc.
Thursday and Friday Bob Tyler and I birded Ward’s Island, and part of Algonquin and Snake Islands and though migration is slow coming we did find some nice birds including 14 Warbler species with very, very low numbers of most of the. Following are some of the birds we found:- 6 Great Egrets, Green Heron, 1 only migrating Sharp-shinned Hawk, 3 Solitary Sandpipers, only 4 Chimney Swifts and 4 Barn Swallows, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Belted Kingfisher, 3 Olive-sided Flycatchers, 9 Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Willow and Least Flycatchers, House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Gray Catbirds, Philadelphia Vireo, Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian, Palm, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, 1 Connecticut, 2 Mourning and 7 Canada Warblers, 15 Northern Waterthrush and 1 Louisiana Waterthrush and American Redstarts. A good 2 days but migration is just starting though it is a little late and parts of Ward’s have mud where it was flooded and some of the trails at the east end are still covered in shallow water and Snake Island is really only half way good for walking just off the bridge. We also observed 300++ Monarch Butterflies and 150+ Green Darners along with several other Dragonfly species and also 3 Mink were spotted and lots of people after 10 am. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - A. Bittern, etc.
Yesterday Bob Tyler and I birded Ward’s Island a nd a small part of Algonquin Island and migration down there in Water World is winding down and though we didn’t get many species we did OK despite only having access to about 30% of the better birding areas. Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, American Bittern, lots of Mallards in the flooded areas plus a female Mallard off the boardwalk with 22 very small ducklings, Osprey, Spotted Sandpipers, Common Terns, E Wood-Pewees, Least Flycatchers, E Phoebe, E Kingbirds and a close encounter with an Acadian Flycatcher, Purple Martins, White-breasted Nuthatches, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, House Wrens, Swainson’s Thrush, lots of Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrashers, many Warbling Vireos, Red-eyed Vireos, only 6 Warbler Species including Nashville, Chestnut-sided and Wilson’s, Indigo Buntings, we watched as a male Indigo offered a seed to a female Indigo, and Purple and House Finches. A nice ending to the Spring migration and now I can hang up my binoculars until after mid-August with hopes that The Islands are still above water. One of the best May bird outings down there in a long time. For those who plan on a last Spring trip down there be advised that Hanlan’s Point is closed so no ferry to or from that area and the road between Centre Island and past the Trout Pond is under approx. 2 feet of water. Centre Island and the facilities are open as are the Cafes on Ward’s but if you want to go between Centre and Ward’s or Ward’s to Centre then most of the walk will be along the boardwalk unless you are wearing rubber boots. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Brown Pelican
The Brown Pelican was seen heading west over the Queen City Yacht Club on the Toronto Island by Bob Tyler yesterday just after 7:10 or so pm. Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Prothonotary Warbler, etc.
Yesterday Bob Tyler, Marc Lichtenberg and I birded Ward’s and Algonquin Islands and following are some of the birds found. First off I want to thank Marc’s great ears :>)) for hearing the Protonotary Warbler and alerting Bob and I, a great find, thanks Marc. Turkey Vultures, Black-billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swifts, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Red-bellied Woodpecker, E Wood Pewees, Yellow-bellied, Least, Willow and Great-crested Flycatchers, E. Kingbirds, White-breasted Nuthatches, House Wrens, only 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, 35+ Cedar Waxwings, Veerys, Gray-cheeked and Swainson’s Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, Blue-headed, Philadelphia, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, many Tennessee Warblers, 3 Orange-crowned Warblers, Northern Parulas, Ovenbird, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Cape May, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Blackpoll, Wilson’s, 14 Bay-breasted and 8 Canada Warblers, American Redstarts, the great male Prothonotary Warbler, Common Yellow-throated Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings and Orchard and Baltimore Orioles. Still wet under foot down there so be aware before you go. The Prothonotary was at the east end of Lakeshore Ave. (east of First St.) at the eastern gap and on the north side of the road which is a dirt path at this point. Good Luck to any that try for it. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Connecticut, Hooded & Cerulean Warblers and Summer Tanager.
Yesterday May 19th Bob Tyler, Alfred Adamo and I birded Ward’s and Algonquin Islands and it turned out to be one of the better trips down there and following are some of the birds. Turkey Vultures, 3 Black-billed and 1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Ruby-th Hummingbirds, 4 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Northern Flicker, E. Wood-Pewee, Willow, Least and Great Crested Flycatchers, E. Kingbirds, Raven, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Carolina and House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Veerys, Gray-cheeked and Swainson’s Thrushes, Catbirds, Cedar Waxwings, Blue-headed, Warbling, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, 20 warbler species including Tennesse, 2 Orange-crowned, Nashvllie, 9 N. Parulas, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Cape-May, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, 16 Bay-breasted, Cerulean, Black and White, A. Redstart, Connecticut, Com. Yellowthroat, Hooded and 3 Canada Warblers, Summer Tanager, 17 Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Bunting, Chipping and White-crowned Sparrows and Many Baltimore Orioles. Other birds seen in our area by other birders but not seen by us were – Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Palm, Mourning, Blackpoll and Wilson’s Warblers. 2 more Red-bellied Woodpeckers were seen west of Ward’s Island by 2 other birders making it a record day on The Islands (in my opinion) for that species. hope 1 or more of them are females. A good trip with a few more to come before the end of May unless The Islands sink as the water is still rising down there restricting the areas that we can access as we do not have rubber boots. Sand bagging and pumping is in full swing and there is a good possibility that The Islands will again be closed to the general public. A second 100 year flooding in 2 years :>)). Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Summer Tanagers, Gldn-w Warbler, Mourning Warblers, Blk-billed Cuckoo, etc.
Today Bob Tyler and I birded Ward’s and Algonquin Islands on a day that turned out to be Spring like and it also turned out to be our best day bird wise this year with good numbers of each species of warblers and following are some of the birds we found. Great Blue Heron , Green Heron, Great Egrets, 2 Osprey again, Copper’s Hawk, Black-billed Cuckoo, 3 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, 8 flycatcher species E. Wood Pewee, Alder, Willow, Yellow-bellied and Great-Crested Flycatchers, E. Phoebe and E. Kingbirds, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatches, Carolina and House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Veerys, Swainson’s, Hermit and Wood Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, Blue-headed, Warbling, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, 21 warbler species including a Male Golden-winged Warbler, Tennessee Warblers, 2 Orange-crowned Warblers, 12 N. Parulas, Cape May Warblers, Bay-breasted Warblers, Blackburnian Warblers, Blk-throated Blue and Blk-throated Green Warblers, Blackpoll Warblers, 3 Mourning Warblers, 2 Summer Tanagers ( 1 adult Female and 1 immature), 9 Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, Chipping, Swamp White-crowned and Lincoln’s Sparrows, Orchard Oriole and many Baltimore Orioles. The Immature Summer Tanager was along First St. At the east end of Ward’s Island and the female Summer Tanager was on the west end of Algonquin Island. Norm Murr Richmond Hill. ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands- Warblers, etc.
Today I did a short trip to Hanlan’s Point and part of Gibraltar Point and I arrived home this time before dark. Common Loons, Horned Grebes, Red-necked Grebe, 4 Great Egrets, Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, Glaucous Gull, Caspian and Common Terns, Belted Kingfisher, Least Flycatchers, House Wrens, only 7 Ruby-crowned kinglets this time out, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Hermit Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrashers, Warbling Vireos, 11 warbler species including Ovenbird, Nashville, Cape May, Northern Parula, Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, 21 Palm and many Yellow and 35= Yellow-rumped Warblers, Rose-breasted Grosbeak 8 sparrow species including Chipping, Savannah, Lincoln, Swamp and White-crowned and Baltimore Orioles. Reminder – Lots of wet areas on the lawns and in the bushes and getting to the beach on Hanlan’s to view the gulls, terns and possible shorebirds is very tricky unless you are wearing rubber boots. Norm Murr Richmond Hill ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Fish Crows and other goodies
Yesterday Bob Tyler and I birded the Toronto Islands and following are some of the birds we found. Black-crowned Night Heron, Trumpeter Swans, Gadwall, 17 Turkey Vultures, Northern Harriers, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks, 2 VIrginia Rails, 2 Soras, many Killdeer and Spotted Sandpipers, Glaucous and Iceland Gulls, 35+ Caspian Terns, Common Terns, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, Yellow-bellied, Willow, Least and Great-crested Flycatchers, Eastern Kingbird, 2 Fish Crows, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, House and Marsh Wrens, both Kinglet species, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Veery, Hermit and Wood Thrushes, Brown Thrashers, Blue-headed and Warbling Vireos, only 6 Warbler species this time out including Nashville. many Yellow, Black-throated Green and Palm Warblers, Ovenbird, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, 11 Sparrow species including Eastern Towhee, Chipping, Clay-colored, Field, Lincoln’s, Swamp and White-crowned, Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlark and Baltimore Orioles. Due too the past couple of years of some areas getting flooded there seem to be hundreds of Toads singing on Hanlan’s and Ward’s Islands. There are now areas on The Islands that are starting to flood and puddles are appearing in many grassy and brushy areas as the water in the lake is quite high and in some places that were flooded two years ago sand bagging is in progress just in case. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands, Warblers, etc.
Yesterday Owen Moorhouse joined Bob Tyler and myself for a nice day of birding on The Islands and following are some of the birds we found. It was good to see that finally more migrants were on the move. Canvasback, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks, Killdeer, Iceland, Glaucous and Lesser black-backed Gulls, 2 of each, Caspian and Common Terns, Chimney Swifts, Belted Kingfisher, Red=bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Northern Flickers, Least and Great Crested Flycatchers, Eastern Phoebe, Purple Martin, Cliff Swallows, Common Raven, White-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creepers, House and Winter Wrens, many Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Veery, Hermit Thrushes, Brown Thrashers, Cedar Waxwings, Blue-headed and Warbling Vireos, Nashville, Yellow, Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Palm, and Black-and-white Warblers, Ovenbird and Northern Waterthrush, (one of the Palm Warblers was a Yellow Palm), Chipping, Savannah, Song, Swamp and many White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos and Purple Finches. Ruby-crowned Kinglets and White-throated Sparrows were the most numerous birds there during this second wave of these two species after 10 days or so of seeing just a few of them and the numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers has increased. We were not able to check Hanlan’s Point beach for shorebirds that we had heard about due only wearing hiking boots and being blocked by increased flooded areas. The Islands now have a lot of areas with large puddles, flooded areas of brush, lawns and woodlands as the lake level continues to rise and some areas already have started to be protected by sand bags. A walk along the Lighthouse trail is now blocked by water and there are small lake like areas on the airfield. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands- Clay-colored Sparrows
Yesterday April 30/19 Bob Tyler, Owen Moorhouse and I birded the Toronto Islands and though it was like birding in March we did come up with some decent birds though the pickings were slim. 11 waterfowl species including Red-necked Grebe, Gadwalls, Canvasbacks and Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, (there are still lots of Red-breasted Mergansers and Long-tailed Ducks down there), Cooper’s Hawks, Merlin, Killdeer, 7 Spotted Sandpipers, 1 juvenile Glaucous Gull, Caspian Terns, Common Terns at the breeding raft in the Trout Pond, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flickers, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Eastern Phoebes, Purple Martins, Cliff Swallows, White-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creeper, House Wrens, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Hermit Thrushes, Brown Thrashers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Palm Warbler, Chipping Sparrows, 2 Clay-colored Sparrows, Field Sparrow, and Savannah Sparrows. For this time of year the Yellow-rumped Warblers and White-throated Sparrow numbers are way down and lots of the expected migrants are yet to make an appearance. Norm Murrr Richmond Hill, ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands-Grasshopper Sparrows, etc.
Yesterday April 25th Bob Tyler and I birded the Toronto Islands but not in the all day sunny weather forecast but in the usual now of March weather but we did find some nice birds including the following. Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Wood Ducks, Gadwalls, Canvasbacks, Lesser Scaup, White-winged Scoters, Turkey Vultures, Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s and Broad-winged Hawks and a nice close overhead Northern Goshawk, Virginia Rail, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpipers, Caspian and Common Terns, 100+ Chimney Swifts, Belted Kingfisher, 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Northern Flickers, Eastern Phoebe, Tree, Barn and Cliff Swallows, White-breasted Nuthatches, House and Winter Wrens, both Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrashers, a flock of Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers, 4 Pine Warblers, Chipping, Field, Song and White-throated Sparrows and 2 close encounters with 2 Grasshopper Sparrows on the green grass right in front of us. We also missed some birds reported to us by others such as Blue-headed Vireo, Black-throated Green Warbler, Eastern Towhee and Savannah Sparrow. Migration is slowly moving along despite the weather and hopefully most of the migrants don’t end up flying right over and past Southern Ontario to catch up. PS – We also checked the beach on Hanlan’s and no Piping Plover yet, at least we didn’t find any. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands yesterday April 13/19
Good Morning, Yesterday Bob Tyler and I again birded Ward’s and Algonquin Islands and though bird numbers were down, especially waterfowl we did find enough birds to make us happy and following are some of them. Eared Grebe, 2 Trumpeter Swans, Wood Duck, 4 Canvasbacks, Red-breasted and Common Mergansers, Cooper’s Hawk, Bonaparte’s Gull, 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, 15 Northern Flickers, 12 Eastern Phoebes, Tree and Barn Swallows, White-breasted Nuthatches, 16 Brown Creepers, Winter Wrens, Golden-crowned Kinglets, 8 Hermit Thrushes, Northern Mockingbird (singing now), Chipping, Field, 36 Song and White-throated Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos. WE also watched 20+ emerging Garter Snakes together, some wrapped together and among them were 3 melanistic forms. 15+ Red Admiral Butterflies. PS – Bob informed me that yesterday Friday April 12th there were many Flickers, Juncos, Hermit Thrushes and Kinglets down there but it seemed that most of that influx had moved on and he also found a Yellow-rumped Warbler. A lot more birds to come. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Eared Grebes, etc.
Yesterday April 7th Bob Tyler and I birded Ward’s and Algonquin Islands and it is safe to say that migration has ramped up. Some totals of the following such as Song Sparrow and Eastern Phoebe were under counted as the Phoebes on the western end of Algonquin Island were in and beside thick bushes and trees ( as they were elsewhere ) and were very active fly catching and hard to count and the Song Sparrows where they were in groups on the grass were very skiddish and at times were flushed by frisbie golfers before we could get a good count but all the birds kept us busy so that we didn’t go further on The Islands to Centre, Gibralter and Hanlan’s. Waterfowl species and numbers were way down. Below is a list of some of the birds we found. Pied-billed Grebe – 1 Horned Grebe – 3 Rd-necked Grebe - 1 Eared Grebe – 2 D-c Cormorant – 50+ Great Blue Heron – 5 – flying east Wood Duck – 3 Redhead Duck – 8 Hooded Merganser – 3 White-winged Scoter – 1 Turkey Vulture – 2 – floating east Osprey – 1 – flying east Cooper’s Hawk – 2 – resident pair sitting together Peregrine Falcon – adult overhead Bonaparte’s Gull – 7 – flying east Common Tern – 1 – flying east Belted Kingfisher – 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – 6 Eastern Phoebe – 92 Tree Swallow – 75+ - flying east over the harbour White-breasted Nuthatch – 3 Brown Creeper – 10 Winter Wren – 12 Golden-crowned Kinglet – 63 Hermit Thrush – 5 Northern Mockingbird – 1 Northern Cardinal – 24 Tree Sparrow – 2 Chipping Sparrow – 4 Fox Sparrow – 1 – seen by an other birder Song Sparrow – 134 Swamp Sparrow – 1 Dark-eyed Junco – 24 Missed the resident Red-bellied Woodpecker and resident Carolina Wrens. PS – The Ferry schedule switches to the Spring schedule this Friday the 11th so there will be boats to Hanan’s ( starting at 6:30 am ) and Centre Island as well as Ward’s Island. Ferry Schedule - https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/toronto-island-park/all-ferry-schedules/ Norm Murr Richmond Hill, On Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - yesterday April 2nd
Yesterday Bob Tyler and I again birded The Islands and though numbers of birds were down from last Friday we still came up with some nice bids. 5 Pied-billed Grebes, (3 together), Cormorants overhead, 15 waterfowl species including Gadwalls, Canvasbacks, Redheads, Ring-necked Ducks, both Scaup, many Common Goldeneyes and Buffleheads and all 3 Mergansers, Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks, Belted Kingfisher, Brown Creeper, 2 Carolina Wrens, Eastern Bluebirds, N. Mockingbird (possible 2), 2 E. Towhees, only 28 Song Sparrows (down from 102 on Friday but many more will pass through later) and 2 White-throated Sparrows. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands
Yesterday Friday the 29th Bob Tyler and birded the Toronto Islands and we came up with 49 species. Pied-billed and Horned Grebes, 10 D-c Cormorants overhead, Trumpeter Swans, Wood Ducks, American Wigeons, Canvasbacks, Redheads, Ring-necked Ducks, all 3 Mergansers, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Common Ravens, Northern Mockingbird harassing Robins and Red-winged Blackbirds, an amazing 34 Cardinals, (probably some overlap with birds flying back and forth from Algonquin Island to Wards Island), 102 Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows but only 1 Raptor a Cooper’s Hawk which is a permanent resident down there. It’s possible that better weather is coming some day and birds should start arriving in good numbers, possible I say. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands
Today Bob Tyler and I birded part of the Toronto Islands and despite the flip in the weather forecast we did okay with 42 species found and following are some of them. 21 Waterfowl species including Pied -billed Grebe, Trumpeter Swans, Gadwalls, Canvasbacks, Redheads, Ring-necked Ducks, both Scaup, White-winged Scoters, all three Mergansers, Ruddy Duck, Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Common Ravens, Brown Creepers, Eastern Bluebirds, many Robins, Grackles, and Red-winged Blackbirds, Tree Sparrows, Song Sparrows and Cowbirds. Ring-necked Ducks, Redheads, Canvasbacks, Greater and Lesser Scaup, White-winged Scoters and Common Mergansers were there in good size numbers. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON Sent from Mail for Windows 10 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Woodpeckers, etc.
Yesterday Bob Tyler and I birded The Islands from Ward's Island to Gibralter Point on a beautiful Fall day bypassing Algonquin Island and Snug Harbour. Besides the birds listed below we found 284 Black-capped Chickadees on and passing through the above areas almost as many as we saw last Thursday the 25th when we recorded 288 birds. These totals of the migrating and resident Chickadees were probably under counted. Some of the other birds seen were 2 Cackling Geese, Black Ducks, Gadwalls, N. Shovelers, A. Wigeons, Ring-necked Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Merlin, 2 juvenile Peregrine Falcons noisily chasing each other as they headed towards the Leslie St. Spit, 5 Woodpecker species including 3 Red-bellied, Hairy and Downy, 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and Flickers, E. Phoebes, Carolina and Winter Wrens, both Kinglets, 50 plus A. Robins, 35 plus Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers and 22 N. Cardinals. For those that are interested we also found 3 A. Admiral/Comma type Butterflies but on Gibralter Point only 1 Monarch Butterfly. A surprise sighting was a small Bat hawking midgets over Gibralter Point around 2 pm. A Map and a Painted Turtle were also seen, perhaps our last until next spring. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, Ont. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Nelson's Sparrow, N. Shrike, etc.
Today I again went to Hanlan's Point and it being my last trip to Hanlan's and Gibralter in the morning due to it being the second last day of the ferry until next spring I was hoping to have a decent day and I wasn't disappointed and following are some of the birds I found including some first of season for me.. 17 Brant, American Widgeons, Long-tailed Ducks, White-winged and Black Scoters, Buffleheads,Red-breasted Mergansers, 103 Turkey Vultures, N. Harrier, Sharp-shinned, Cooper's, Red-shouldered, and Red-tailed Hawks, adult Golden Eagle, Kestrel, Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, Bonaparte and Great Black-backed Gulls, Red-bellied Woodpecker, E. Phoebes, only 46 B-c Chickadees, 13 Eastern Bluebirds, 21 Hermit Thrushes, 3 Catbirds, N. Mockingbird, Northern Shrike, 10 Sparrow species including Field, Vesper, Nelson's, Fox and Swamp Sparrows and 3 E. Meadowlarks. Talking to a couple down there and apparently I missed a large flock of E. Bluebirds and I noticed the start of numbers of Robins and Red-winged Blackbirds on and over Hanlan's but I only saw 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler and no other warblers. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Fox Sparrows, etc.
Yesterday on a beautiful day to be birding I birded my usual route through Hanlan's Point and Gibralter Point.and as usual I listed below some of the birds I found. Pied-billed Grebe, Gadwall, A. Widgeon, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, 12 Hooded Mergansers, TV, Sharp-shined and Red-tailed Hawks, A. Kestrel, Merlins, Peregrine Falcon, A. Woodcock, 18 E. Phoebes, 99 B-c Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, both Kinglets, E. Bluebirds, 48 Hermit Thrushes, Gray-cheeked Thrush, 5 Warbler species including 4 Orange-crowned Warblers, 9 Sparrow species including 16 Fox Sparrows, 13 Swamp Sparrows and 72 Song Sparrows. The numbers of the birds that I noted except for the Hooded Mergansers I'm very sure were all undercounted. Only 4 Monarchs seen and they were on Gibralter Point. Norm Murr Richmond |Hill, ON Note:- This coming Monday is the last day until Spring that the Hanlan's and Centre Island ferrys will be operating. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Bluebirds, etc.
Yesterday Oct 12/18 Margaret Liubavicius, Bob Tyler and I birded part of Hanlan’s Point (on the lee side) and Gibralter Point and following are some of the birds we found despite the wind. Trumpeter Swan, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Turkey Vulture, 3 N. Harriers, 76 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 5 Cooper’s Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, 5 Kestrels, 3 Merlins, 4 woodpecker species including Y-b Sapsucker, 9 E. Phoebes, Common Raven, 97 Black-capped Chickadees (they are on the move so watch for Boreal), 12 White-breasted Nuthatches, Red-breasted Nuthatches, both Kinglets, 13 E. Bluebirds, Swainson’s and Hermit Thrushes, Catbirds, Brown Thrasher, Blue-headed Vireos, Orange-crowned, Nashville, Magnolia, Cape May, 78 Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Palm and Blackpoll Warblers, Northern Parula, 48 Chipping Sparrows, Field Sparrow, Song, White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows, Juncos, E. Meadowlark, and 7 Purple Finches. We also saw approx. 60 Monarch Butterflies with most backed on Gibralter Point because of the wind and we had 2 great views of a healthy looking adult Coyote. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands -Connecticut Warbler and Clay-colored Sparrows
Good Morning, Yesterday, Oct. 9/18 Bob Tyler and I walked our usual route - Hanlan's Point to Gibralter Point and following are some of our finds. Hooded Mergansers, Sharp-shined, Cooper's and Red-tailed Hawks, A. Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Y-b Sapsuckers, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Flickers, both Nuthatches, House Wren, both Kinglets, Swainson's and Hermit Thrushes, Catbird, Blue-headed Vireos, Tennessee, Orange-crowned (3), Nashville (8), Yellow-rumped (many), Palm, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll and Connecticut (female) Warblers, E. Towhees, Clay-colored (5), Savannah, Song, Swamp (13), White-throated (100), and White-crowned (16) Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos. Note:- The Connecticut Warbler - This almost ties the date of my latest sighting of a male of this species with the one seen by Ian Cannell and myself that was found Gavin Platt on October 10, 2014 and the 5 Clay-colored Sparrow ties the number seen by myself and others at 5 on October 4, 2008 in almost the same place. Bob and I feel that there were more than 5 of these birds but they were moving along and entered heavier cover and hard to be sure if there were more than 5. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Acadian Flycatcher, etc.
Yesterday Ian Cannell, Margaret Liubavicius and I birded Hanlan's and Gibraltar Points and on the west side of Gibraltar Point near the lake Ian spotted an Acadian Flycatcher beside the woods and called us over and thanks to Ian we had great looks at this unexpected bonus. Some other birds found during our visit were Great Egret, Wood Ducks, American Widgeons, first of the season Gadwall and Lesser Scaup, Merlin, Black-bellied Plovers, Kingfisher, Sapsuckers, late Least Flycatcher, 26 Eastern Phoebes, 2 Ravens, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Creepers, House Wren, both Kinglets of course, Swainson's Thrushes, Catbirds, Blue-headed, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, 15 Warbler species including Tennessee, 4 Orange-crowned, Parula, Blackburnian, Pine, Palms, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll and Wilson and Chipping, Swamp and White-crowned Sparrows. A good day made even better by the close up Acadian Flycatcher. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, Ontario ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Clay-colored Sparrow, etc.
Yesterday Bob Tyler, Owen Moorhouse and for a time Alfred Adamo birded Hanlan’s Point and part of Gibralter Point and except for a few sprinkles in the morning (about 5 minutes long around 9 am) and a cloudy day we didn’t do too bad and following are some of the birds we found. 2 Great Egrets, 3 Wood Ducks, Sharp-shined Hawk, 3 Cooper’s Hawks, 2 Merlins, Killdeer, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, 42 Eastern Phoebes, both Nuthatches, Brown Creepers, both Kinglets (good numbers of Ruby-crowned), Swainson’s and Hermit Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrashers, 10 Warbler species including Tennessee, 3 Orange-crowned, Northern Parulas , 3 Pines and 21 Palm Warblers, 8 Sparrow Species including Clay-colored, Lincoln, 350+ White-throated, 22 White-crowned and 75+ Dark-eyed Juncos. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Loons, Etc.
Today Margaret Liubavicius and I birded part of Hanlan’s Point on a beautiful day and it wasn’t as quiet as it was Monday. On the lake we found a Red-throated Loon and 2 Common Loons. Sparrow species are starting to increase a bit with 50+ White-throated Sparrows, 6 Lincoln’s Sparrows, 5 Dark-eyed Juncos and 20+ Song Sparrows. We found first of season White-crowned Sparrows as well as Blue-headed Vireo and 2 Hermit Thrushes. Yellow-rumped Warblers are increasing and we found 3 Pine Warblers, 24 Palm, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Nashville, Blackpoll and Wilson’s Warblers, Common Yellowthroat,11 Eastern Phoebes and 7 Red-breasted Nuthatches. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Connecticut Warbler , etc.
Yesterday Friday, Sept 7th Bob Tyler, Margaret Liubavicius and I again birded Ward’s Island and the western end of Algonquin Island and following are some of the birds we found. Great Egret, 3 Ospreys overhead, 5 flycatcher species, 3 vireo species including Philadelphia, Brown Creeper, both Nuthatches, House Wrens, Hummingbirds, Red-breasted Grosbeaks, Scarlet Tanagers, an adult male Dark-eyed Junco and 11 species of warblers including a female Connecticut Warbler in the area we call The Trap just SE of the Island Church. Not a big number of each species but enough to make us happy. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Connecticut Warblers
Today after Bob and Margaret left ( she never learns :>)) ) I continued on towards Centre Island and though there were not many birds, 6 species of warbler only and a total of only 16 of these but 3 of them were Pine Warblers and 3 were Connecticut Warblers, 2 males and 1 female. The female was within a foot or so of one of the males and all 3 were only about 50 feet from each other. Not bad for a city boy :>)). I also found 3 Scarlet Tanagers together but not much else except Gnatcatchers and Waxwings. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Birds
Monday Bob Tyler and I birded Hanlan’s Point and yesterday Ian Cannell and I birded Ward’s Island and yes migration is moving along and following are some of the birds the 3 of us found. Common Loons, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebes, Great Blue Herons, 9 Wood Ducks, Canvasbacks, White-winged Scoters, all 3 Mergansers, 3 Turkey Vultures overhead, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks, 2 adult Bald Eagles flying east together, 17 Killdeer, Belted Kingfisher, 9 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, 77 Northern Flickers, Eastern Phoebes, 14 Brown Creepers, 2 Carolina Wrens, 19 Winter Wrens, 50 Golden-crowned Kinglets, 73 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 61 Hermit Thrushes, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrashers, 2 Pine Warblers, 12 Yellow-rumped Warblers, Eastern Towhees, Tree Sparrows, 24 Chipping Sparrows, 5 Field Sparrows, Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrows, 78 Song Sparrows, 14 Swamp Sparrows, 225 White-throated Sparrows, 27 Dark-eyed Juncos, Purple Finch, and 2 Eastern Meadowlarks. A good 2 days with better days just ahead. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Loons, Grebes,Swallows, etc., etc.
Yesterday (April 20th)Bob Tyler and I again birder the Islands and this tie only from Ward’s Island to Gibralter Point and though it was still Sprinter it looks like Spring may be on it’s way. Following are some of the birds we found 7 Common Loons, 2 Pied Billed and 32 Horned Grebes, Great Blue Heron, Ring-necked Ducks, White-winged Scoters, 164 Bufflehead, al 3 Mergansers, the resident Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks, Killdeer, 13 Downy Woodpeckers, 10 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Northern Flicker, all 6 species of Swallows migrating eastward with some of the Tree Swallows taking up residence, Golden-crowned Kinglet, 6 Hermit Thrushes, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Tree Sparrows still, 47 Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrow, and an increase of Dark-eyed Juncos. The next few days if we can believe the fake Weather Forecast should bring a good numbers of backed up migrants, hopefully they won’t just fly over with out many of them stopping. PS – Again for those that care Bob found 2 Little orange Skipper Butterflies on the south end of Snake Island, Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Goldeneye - Common
Yesterday David Beadle viewed and photographed the Goldeneye that I reported as a Barrow's on Sunday and, after circulating the photos to some people much more knowledgable about goldeneyes than I, it has been determined that it is in fact an orange-billed female Common. Still an interesting bird and a good learning experience! Apologies for any confusion, but at least this saves anyone from the temptation of the 8 km round trip walk to go see it! Gavin Platt Toronto, ON ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Loons and Scoters, etc.
Yesterday Bob Tyler and I birded the Toronto Islands (7:30 am to dusk) from the Eastern Gap to half way up Hanlan’s Point and on that very nice day we found the following birds. Red-throated and Common Loons, D-c Cormorants still present in numbers, Great Blue Heron, 9 Tundra Swans, Black Ducks, Northern Shovelers, 75+ Gadwalls, Greater and Lesser Scaup, many, many Long-tailed Ducks, 5 Black Scoters, 200+ White-winged Scoters, 75+ Common Goldeneye, 300+ Bufflehead, 15 Hooded Mergansers, many Red-breasted Mergansers, 10 Great Black-backed Gulls, Golden and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Robins, American Pipit, Cedar Waxwings, Nashville Warbler, Tree Sparrows and lots of the other usual birds down there. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Nelson's Sparrow
At 9:30 this morning during the Charitable Big Day of Birding we saw and photographed a Nelson's Sparrow at the SE corner of Ward's Island, in the brushy area with horsetails and little birches. I thought this was fairly early for Toronto and am posting this for interest. Good birding! Justin ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - 3 Grebe species
Today Bob Tyler and I birded Ward’s Island and despite the cool wind we did find a few nice birds. On Lake Ontario off Ward’s Island we found Red-necked and Horned Grebes, all close in near the boardwalk but the surprise was a nice Eared Grebe (halfway between winter and breeding plumage)only about 50 feet off the boardwalk. We also found first of the season for us – Fox Sparrow and Yellow-rumped Warbler along with the usual suspects Bird numbers were down from earlier in the week except for passing Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles and Brown-headed Cowbirds and of course Double-crested Cormorants which are way up.. Note:- Tomorrow the ferry is still on the Winter schedule but Friday all 3 ferries start the Spring schedule. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands this past weekend - Woodpeckers, Warblers, Vireos, Sparrows, etc.
On Saturday and Sunday the 25th and 26th of September despite the difficulty of getting down to and from the ferry docks (thanks to the TTC) I got to bird Ward’s and Algonquin Islands with Peter McParland and Bob Tyler and following are some of the birds we found on those two beautiful days’ Osprey, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawk, R-th Hummingbirds, 6 Belted Kingfishers, Red-bellied Woodpecker, 17 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, lots of Northern Flickers, Least Flycatchers, 15 Eastern Phoebes, Many Blue Jays, 2 Common Ravens, lots of both Nuthatches, Brown Creepers, again lots of both Kinglets, Gray-cheeked and Swainson’s Thrushes, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrasher, Blue-headed, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, 15 warbler species including Tennessee, 12 Orange-crowned, 7 Northern Parula, Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Pine, Palm, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, and Wilson’s, Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Bunting, Clay-colored Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrows, many White-throated Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos and Purple Finch. Directions Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.50 - Seniors / Students $5.00 all fares are for return trip as well and the ferries are on the Fall Schedule. If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby. One is located just a block north of the ferry docks. NOTE 1: – For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay and the Food Court in the building on the northwest corner of Queens Quay and Bay Street is now open and this too has a Tim Horton’s but is closed on the weekends and holidays but the “PATHWAY” to and from Union Stn is open 7 days per week. NOTE 2:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands Note 3:- From the day after the Thanksgiving weekend to the Easter weekend there will be no ferries to Hanlan’s Point or Centre Island, the Ward’s Island ferry will continue to operate during that period as usual. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today with some birds during the week.
Today Ian Cannell, Alfred Adamo and I birded Ward’s Island on the Toronto Islands and we had a decent day and following are some of the hi-lights. Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, 4 Black-billed Cuckoos, Belted Kingfisher, 2 and probable 3 Olive-sided Flycatchers, Eastern Wood-Pewees, 5 Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Least and Great Crested Flycatchers, several flycatcher species, Eastern Kingbirds, both Nuthatch species, Carolina and House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Veery, Gray-cheeked Thrush, lots of Gray Catbirds, Philadelphia, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, 20 warbler species including Ovenbird, 1 Connecticut (found by Ian), 1 nice male Mourning, Tennessee, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, juvenile Yellow-rumps, Cape May, Black-throated Blue and Blk-throated Green, Wilsons’s and Canada, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and still 24 Baltimore Orioles. Further Ward’s Island sightings. During the week starting Monday to yesterday (Friday) some of the birds seen were Horned Grebe, Osprey (both by Island resident birder Bob Tyler), Turkey Vultures, Cooper’s Hawks, Caspian and Common Terns, many Chimney Swifts and Cedar Waxwings, Tree, Bank, Cliff, Rough-winged and Barn Swallows, 1 Back-billed Cuckoo seen on the 24th and 1 on the 26th (Margaret Liubavicius), 2 Olive-sided Flycatchers on the 24th, 3 on the 26th (Margaret and Peter McParland), Eastern Phoebes, more Yellow-bellied, Great-crested and Least Flycatchers, 60+ Eastern Kingbirds and 100+ Chimney Swifts, R-Th Hummingbirds, N. Flickers, Swainson’s Thrush (Ian), 5 Brown Thrashers together, and on the 24th I found a nice adult female Prairie Warbler. For ferry schedules and prices go to the following web site http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=3690dada600f0410VgnVCM1071d60f89RCRD=default Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Friday the 16th
Birded Ward’s and Algonquin Islands and a bit of the Sanctuary yesterday with Margaret Liubavicius and Bob Tyler and below are some of the birds we found. Common Loon, Great-Blue Herons, 2 Great Egrets, 15 Black-crowned Night-Herons, 6 TVs, 2 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 2 Cooper’s Hawks, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Northern Flickers, 12 Eastern Phoebes, Tree and Barn Swallows, Brown Creepers, 3 Carolina Wrens, 19 Winter Wrens, both Kinglet species, 27 Hermit Thrushes, Cedar Waxwings, Tree Sparrows, 11 Fox Sparrows, Song and White-throated Sparrows and many Dark-eyed Juncos as well as the usual species. A couple of days before yesterday Bob Tyler and I found 19 Night-Herons, Osprey, Bald Eagle, 4 Pied-billed Grebes, Ring-necked Ducks, White-winged Scoters, Killdeer, 4 Carolina Wrens, Brown Thrasher, and Purple Finches and I found an adult Thayer’s Gull at the ferry docks on the city side. Directions:- The ferry docks are at the very south end of bay Street – Fare $7.50 adults – $4.75 Seniors / Students. The ferries are on Winter schedule and only go to Ward’s Island until next Saturday the 22nd of April and then all 3 ferry routes will be in will be operating. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands
For anyone planning on a Toronto island bird outing be aware that there are not a huge number of migrants there yet except for Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Grackles and Cowbirds. Over the last 10 days I have visited the Islands 3 times and was joined on a couple of the trips by Margaret Liubavicius and between us we came up with some nice arrivals and transient birds. 7 White Fronted Geese, 162 Tundra Swans, 9 Black Scoters as well as White-winged Scoters, 11 other species of waterfowl, Hermit Thrush, 12 Song and 1 White-throated Sparrow, 4 Carolina Wrens, 3 of them yesterday, Coopers’ Hawk each day (resident), N. Mockingbird, E. Bluebird, as well as the usual Brn Creepers, Wht-breasted Nuthatches and lots of Cardinals and Downy Woodpeckers. It may be a slow start to migration but an interesting mix and it can only pick up from here on. Keep one eye on the sky, one on and over the lake and the other one on where you are stepping. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - WINTER SCHEDULE - ONLY THE FERRY TO WARD’S OPERATES IN THE WINTER Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.50 - Seniors / Students $4.75 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, head south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for a short walk of about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules (you can pick one up at the ferry dock) - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm Remember – Until April 21st there is only the one ferry operating so no matter how far you feel like walking, you will have to walk that far again to return to the Ward’s ferry. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Henslow's Sparrow, other sparrows, etc.
Today Margaret Liubavicius and I birded Hanlan’s Point and despite the wind we did quite well but first the Henslow’s Sparrow. Yesterday Margaret found this sparrow on the west side of Hanlan’s Point, getting very good looks at it. This is a first for The Islands and brings our unofficial checklist for the Toronto Islands to 308. Congratulations go to her from me despite my envy. Now to today – Eastern Phoebe, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, Palm Warblers, Dark-eyed Juncos, White-throated, White-crowned, Swamp, Chipping and Song Sparrows numbers are up from the last couple of days and Yellow-rumped Warblers (for now) and most other warblers are down. We did manage to find 6 Orange-crowned Warblers, Lincoln’s, Field and Clay-colored Sparrows, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wrens, Brown Creepers, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, Blue-headed Vireos, Merlin, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks. Now is the start of the time to watch out for Nelson’s, LeConte’s and Fox Sparrows on Hanlan’s. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS – FALL SCHEDULE – Take Note:- The last ferry to the city during the week is at 4:15 pm and you will have to walk all the way to the Centre Island ferry if you miss that one. Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.25 - Seniors / Students $4.75 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by go train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus – PS the street cars are now operating again from the Union Subway Stn to Queens Quay. If you are on the subway there is no charge if you choose to board a street car from within the Union Stn subway stop. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very, very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north of the ferry docks on Bay St. = NOTE 1: – For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay and the Food Court in the building on the northwest corner of Queens Quay and Bay Street is now open and this too has a Tim Horton’s but is closed on the weekends and holidays but the “PATHWAY” to and from Union Stn is open 7 days per week. NOTE 2:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Today
Today Margaret Liubavicius and I birded Hanlan’s Point and on this beautiful fall day we did okay and following are some of the birds we found. Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawk, American Kestrels, 3 Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (FOS), Northern Flickers, Least Flycatchers, Eastern Phoebes, many Blue Jays, House Wren, Both Kinglets, (Golden-crowned being FOS), Gray-cheeked and Swainson’s Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrasher, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, 14 Warbler species including a few dozen Yellow-rumped Warblers and a Dozen or so Palm Warblers, Scarlet Tanager, Lincoln’s, White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows (White-crowned being FOS) and Dark-eyed Junco (FOS). Be aware if taking family birding on Hanlan’s Point – There were many naked men walking the trails in the dunes both beside and south of the clothing optional beach, some actually going right out to the paved public road. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS – FALL SCHEDULE – Take Note:- The last ferry to the city during the week is at 4:15 pm and you will have to walk all the way to the Centre Island ferry if you miss that one. Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.25 - Seniors / Students $4.75 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by go train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus – PS the street cars are now operating again from the Union Subway Stn to Queens Quay. If you are on the subway there is no charge if you choose to board a street car from within the Union Stn subway stop. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very, very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north of the ferry docks on Bay St. = NOTE 1: – For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay and the Food Court in the building on the northwest corner of Queens Quay and Bay Street is now open and this too has a Tim Horton’s but is closed on the weekends and holidays but the “PATHWAY” to and from Union Stn is open 7 days per week. NOTE 2:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Connecticut Warblers
Today Peter McParland and I birded the east end of Ward’s Island and a bit of the west end of Algonquin Islands and though there were not the numbers of birds that were there the past few days we did come up with 16 species of warblers with the high light being a juvenile Connecticut Warbler. Yesterday, Sept. 13th Peter McParland and Bill Smith found an adult female Connecticut Warbler on the east end of Ward’s Island. Between them and Ian and I that’s 4 Connecticuts in the last 3 trips over there (Sept. 11, 13 & 14), hopefully more to come. Basic Directions to the Island ferry docks. The docks are at the extreme south end of bay St. See following link for ferry schedules - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Today
Despite the rain, but actually due to the overnight rain, it was raining warblers on the Toronto Islands. 23 species were recorded, many in high numbers e.g. Blackpoll (45), Bay-breasted (32), Magnolia (24), etc. Most of these were seen within 0.5 km. of the Hanlan's ferry docks. Flycatchers were also in abundance including 3 Olive-sided, 6 Yellow-belled, 8 E. Wood-Pewee and a somewhat late E. Kingbird and Great-crested Flycatcher. Good birding, Alfred Adamo ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands yesterday - Connecticut Warblers, etc.
Yesterday Ian Cannell and I birded Ward’s Island and a bit of Algonquin Island and were glad we decided to go there instead of Hawk Cliff. It took us almost 3 hours to get away from the east end of Ward’s Island as the warblers seem to be everywhere between the dock and the cafe and the dock and the houses on the east side of the dock. Following are some of the birds we did identify and though we did quite well we could only ID about 40 to 50% of the birds as we only had our own two eyes and they were many birds in the flocks of 4 flycatcher, 18 warblers and 4 vireo species moving through the trees and bushes. Osprey, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks, A. Kestrel and Merlin, R-th Hummingbirds, Olive-sided (1), Yellow-bellied and Least Flycatchers, Eastern Wood-Pewees, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Gray-cheeked and Swainson’s Thrushes, Blue-headed, Warbling, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos (22), Tennessee, Nashville (47), Magnolia (51), Cape May, Northern Parula (15), Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Bay-breasted, Blackburnian, Blackpoll, A. Redstart (35), Connecticut (2), Canada and Wilson’s Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Half the birds listed and not numbered were there and there were 10 plus birds of each species but I only numbered the outstanding totals in this post. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS – FALL SCHEDULE Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.25 - Seniors / Students $4.75 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by go train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus – PS the street cars are now operating again from the Union Subway Stn to Queens Quay. If you are on the subway there is no charge if you choose to board a street car from within the Union Stn subway stop. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very, very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north of the ferry docks on Bay St. = NOTE 1: – For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay and the Food Court in the building on the northwest corner of Queens Quay and Bay Street is now open and this too has a Tim Horton’s but is closed on the weekends and holidays but the “PATHWAY” to and from Union Stn is open 7 days per week. NOTE 2:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - lots of birds B-b Cuckoos and a Prairie Warbler
Today Ian Cannell and I birded Ward’s Island and though it started out real slow it sure picked up later and following are some of our sightings. TV, 2 Osprey, 3 Black-billed Cuckoos, again, 50+ Chimney Swifts, R-Thr hummingbird, lots of Downy Woodpeckers, E. Wood-Pewees, some feeding fledglings, Yellow-bellied, Least and Great Crested Flycatchers, many Barn Swallows, Bank Swallows, 10+ Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Swainson Thrush, 10+ Gray Catbirds, Good numbers of Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, 16 warbler species including Tennessee, Nashville, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Cape May, Bay-breasted, Canada, Wilson’s and Ovenbird and a Prairie Warbler found and identified by Ian, Scarlet Tanager and Baltimore Orioles. Watch for the north winds that usually bring in good numbers of birds and in fact tonight has northerly winds. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - SUMMER SCHEDULE Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.25 - Seniors / Students $4.75 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by go train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus – PS the street cars are now operating again from the Union Subway Stn to Queens Quay. If you are on the subway there is no charge if you choose to board a street car from within the Union Stn subway stop. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very, very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north of the ferry docks on Bay St. = NOTE 1: – For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay and the Food Court in the building on the northwest corner of Queens Quay and Bay Street is now open and this too has a Tim Horton’s but is closed on the weekends and holidays but the “PATHWAY” to and from Union Stn is open 7 days per week. NOTE 2:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands NOTE 3:- Despite what the ferry schedules on the internet and the printed one available at the docks say the first ferry to Hanlan’s Point leaves at 8 am and NOT 9 am. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today
Today Ian Cannell, Jay Peterson and I birded Ward’s Island and we found that migration has picked up since the first f this week. Some of the birds we found were 4 early Common Mergansers, 1 Osprey overhead, 3 Black-billed Cuckoos, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Belted Kingfisher, Olive-sided, Yellow-bellied, Willow, Least and Great crested Flycatchers, Eastern Wood-Pewees, many Eastern Kingbirds 25+, Carolina and House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, many Gray Catbirds and Cedar Waxwings, Warbling, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, 17 warbler species including Tennessee, Parula, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green , Blackburnian, Palm, Common Yellowthroat, Bay-breasted and Ovenbird, and many Baltimore Orioles and Scarlet Tanager was seen by Bill Smith and Peter McParland. It should get better over the next few weeks especially with the passing of a cool front and / or northerly winds overnight, still lots to come as most of the warblers were juvenile birds and thrushes and sparrows have not started yet, then there are the raptors and waterfowl to come. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - SUMMER SCHEDULE Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.25 - Seniors / Students $4.75 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by go train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus – PS the street cars are now operating again from the Union Subway Stn to Queens Quay. If you are on the subway there is no charge if you choose to board a street car from within the Union Stn subway stop. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very, very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north of the ferry docks on Bay St. = NOTE 1: – For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay and the Food Court in the building on the northwest corner of Queens Quay and Bay Street is now open and this too has a Tim Horton’s but is closed on the weekends and holidays but the “PATHWAY” to and from Union Stn is open 7 days per week. NOTE 2:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands NOTE 3:- Despite what the ferry schedules on the internet and the printed one available at the docks say the first ferry to Hanlan’s Point leaves at 8 am and NOT 9 am. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands plovers
Ontbirds subscribers, Based on the current ferry schedules, and assuming no one hired a water taxi, it is likely that the first searchers have only just arrived at Hanlan's Point Beach, so patience is the order of the day for those waiting on updates. As Mark Cranford posted yesterday, it looks like at least one pair of Piping Plovers might be about to initiate nesting on this beach very shortly. Piping Plover has not nested at this site since 1934, so this will be the first time in people's lifetimes to see this in Toronto. Therefore, when looking for the vagrant plovers, please do so well back from the shore edge, and scan the beach from south to north - that way, if you find the vagrant plovers to the south there is less chance you might disturb the Piping Plovers, which are favouring the north end of the beach nearer the airport. Good luck to all in finding the Wilson's and/or Snowy Plover. Glenn Coady Whitby ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
Re: [Ontbirds] Toronto Islands plovers
I was there first thing this am taking the Ward's island ferry and biking like crazy. The Wilson's plover was present but no Piping plovers or Snowy plover. There is also one less Semipalmated sandpiper thanks to a Peregrine falcon strafing the beach. I left the beach at 8 am. Howard Shapiro Sent from my iPhone On May 28, 2015, at 10:17 AM, Glenn Coady glenn_co...@hotmail.com wrote: Ontbirds subscribers, Based on the current ferry schedules, and assuming no one hired a water taxi, it is likely that the first searchers have only just arrived at Hanlan's Point Beach, so patience is the order of the day for those waiting on updates. As Mark Cranford posted yesterday, it looks like at least one pair of Piping Plovers might be about to initiate nesting on this beach very shortly. Piping Plover has not nested at this site since 1934, so this will be the first time in people's lifetimes to see this in Toronto. Therefore, when looking for the vagrant plovers, please do so well back from the shore edge, and scan the beach from south to north - that way, if you find the vagrant plovers to the south there is less chance you might disturb the Piping Plovers, which are favouring the north end of the beach nearer the airport. Good luck to all in finding the Wilson's and/or Snowy Plover. Glenn Coady Whitby ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands: Wilson's and Piping Plovers, Bobolinks
Still here. Try to walk along water edge with eyes open. Birds are resting in driftwood and scrub. A few birders here now. Also, two singing male Bobolinks at corner of airport fence before beach trail begins. Toronto Islands Sent from my iPad ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
Re: [Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Plovers
Still blowing our minds at 7:48. Will look for Snowy! Len Sent from my Samsung device Original message From: Gavin Platt gavin.pl...@gmail.com Date: 05-27-2015 7:14 PM (GMT-05:00) To: birdalert@ontbirds.ca Subject: [Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Plovers Wilson's plover is still present and showing well. Trying to refind Snowy Plover (last see around 6:30pm). Gavin Platt Toronto ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Plovers
Wilson's plover is still present and showing well. Trying to refind Snowy Plover (last see around 6:30pm). Gavin Platt Toronto ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto islands - Piping Plovers still there.
The Piping Plovers found on Sunday by Gavin Platt are still on the north end of the beach on Hanlan’s Point. The male and female pair were easy to find but after finding them I did not try to find the 3rd bird as I did not want to disturb the pair to much or flush the many Gulls resting on the beach. I don’t know if these birds are planning on nesting there (kind of late to go further north) but it would be nice to think that these endangered birds have found a new nesting area but unlike Sauble and Wasaga Beaches they do not have any human protection and I fear that any attempt at breeding will fail as that end of the beach is frequented by humans and the Parks Department regularly checks that area while driving a very noisy ATV type of vehicle. Also the GTA Birding Clubs / Groups do not seem to have any interest in protecting The Islands habitat or wild life (this is my opinion formed over the years through experience when asking for support from these groups). - DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - SUMMER SCHEDULE Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.50 - Seniors / Students $4.75 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north on of the ferry docks on Bay St. = NOTE 1: – For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay and the Food Court in the building on the northwest corner of Queens Quay and Bay Street is now open and this too has a Tim Horton’s but is closed on the weekends and holidays but the “PATHWAY” to and from Union Stn is open 7 days per week. NOTE 2:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - more migrants
Today Margaret Liubavicius and I birded the east end of the Toronto Islands and there are some new arrivals since Monday despite the bad weather between then and now and following are some of the birds found. Common Loons, 25+ Red-necked Grebes, Black-crowned Night-Herons, Turkey Vultures, N’'. Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, A. Coot, Y-b Sapsuckers, many N. Flickers, E. Phoebes, Tree Swallows, Brown Creepers, Carolina Wen, 10+ Winter Wrens, Both Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, many Robins (with flocks arriving as we birded), Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers, E. Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, White-throated Sparrows, and many Song Sparrows. N. Mockingbird and Horned Grebe were found by two other birders. We also encountered Midges and a Mourning Cloak Butterfly. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - WINTER SCHEDULE - ONLY THE FERRY TO WARD=S OPERATES IN THE WINTER Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC=s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen=s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC=s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen=s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen=s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north on of the ferry docks on Bay St. === NOTE:- For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay and the Food Court in the building on the northwest corner of Queens Quay and Bay Street is now open. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today - Waterfowl +Migrants
This morning I finally went to The Islands and I birded the eastern end only, from the eastern gap to Snake Island and following are some of the migrants that have arrived, some in numbers and some as single representatives. Pied-billed Grebe, 18 Waterfowl species including Green-winged Teal, A. Wigeon, Lesser Scaup and Ruddy Duck, A, Coot, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, N. Flicker, E. Phoebe, Carolina and Winter Wrens, G-c Kinglet, E. Towhee, Fox Sparrow, many Song Sparrows and Pine Siskin. Hopefully after this week when Spring may arrive there will be many more migrants. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - WINTER SCHEDULE - ONLY THE FERRY TO WARD=S OPERATES IN THE WINTER Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC=s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen=s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC=s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen=s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen=s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north on of the ferry docks on Bay St. === NOTE: For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay and the Food Court in the building on the northwest corner of Queens Quay and Bay Street is now open. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Sedge Wren and Black-billed Cuckoo
Today I was joined on Hanlan’s Point by Alfred Adamo and Margaret Liubavicius and though the number of species was down from our Friday outing we did come up with some nice birds besides the Subject Birds. Merlin, 37 Eastern Phoebes, both Nuthatches, Winter Wrens, Both Kinglets, with 75+ Ruby-crowns and the Golden-crown numbers were way down, 82 Hermit Thrushes, under counted as were the Phoebes, A. Pipits, E. Towhees, Field, Savannah, Lincoln’s and Swamp Sparrows, 500+ White-throated Sparrows and 150+ White-crowned Sparrows. Warbler species were way, way down as were the number of Yellow-rumped Warblers. We did find 6 Orange-crowned Warblers but only 1 each of Nashville Warbler and Common Yellowthroat and only 3 Yellow-rumped Warblers. Still it was a beautiful day to be down there. TORONTO ISLANDS – FALL SCHEDULE – TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY for a ferry to Hanlan’s Point and Centre Island until next April. Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby. One is located just a block north of the ferry docks. NOTE 1: – For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay. NOTE 2:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Connecticut Warbler, Nelson's Sparrow, etc.
Another beautiful fall day so I joined Ian Cannell and Alfred Adamo on Hanlan’s Point to see if there was any change from yesterdays and there were. Along with the Subject birds, Connecticut Warbler (thanks to Alfred and the Nelson’s Sparrow, we came up with a total of 65 species today on Hanlan’s Point and following are some of the high lights. 15 Canvasbacks, Turkey Vultures, Northern Harriers, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks, Merlin, Golden Plover, Sanderlings, 4 Woodpecker species, 37 Eastern Phoebes, both Kinglets with many Golden-crowned, Veery, 26 Hermit Thrushes, A. Pipit, Blue-headed and Philadelphia Vireo, 8 Warbler species including Tennessee, Nashville, many Palms and Yellow-rumps and 11 Orange-crowned Warblers, 10 Sparrow species including E. Towhee, Chipping, Field, Lincoln’s, and many White-crowned Sparrows, E. Meadowlark, Rusty Blackbird, House and Purple Finches and Pine Siskins. The Toronto Islands and especially Hanlan’s Point is one of the best places (in my opinion) in Southern Ontario to find Orange-crowned Warblers during October and not a shabby place during Spring migration and a pretty good place to find Nelson’s Sparrows, especially in October. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS – FALL SCHEDULE – Last weekend for a ferry to Hanlan’s Point and Centre Island until next April. Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby. One is located just a block north of the ferry docks. NOTE 1: – For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay. NOTE 2:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands NOTE 3:- From October 15th, 2014 to April 18, 2015 there will be no ferries to Hanlan’s Point or Centre Island, the Ward’s Island ferry will continue to operate during that period as usual. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Nelson's Sparrow plus
Today because it was such a beautiful day I again birded Hanlan’s Point this morning and again I was lucky enough to find a Nelson’s Sparrow. Other birds of note down there were 13 Canvasback, 5 N. Harriers, 45 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 13 A. Kestrels, 5 Merlins, 1 Peregrine Falcon, Hermit Thrushes, Blue-headed Vireos, A. Pipits, Purple Finches (2 of them singing), N. Mockingbird, 8 warbler species including 2 Orange-crowned, N. Parula and a Black-and-White, 8 sparrow species including the Nelson’s as well as Lincoln’s, Swamp, Field and White-crowned and Rusty Blackbirds. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS – FALL SCHEDULE – Last weekend for a ferry to Hanlan’s Point and Centre Island until next April. Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby. One is located just a block north of the ferry docks. NOTE 1: – For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay. NOTE 2:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands NOTE 3:- From October 15th, 2014 to April 18, 2015 there will be no ferries to Hanlan’s Point or Centre Island, the Ward’s Island ferry will continue to operate during that period as usual. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Nelson's Sparrows, Lapland Longspur, etc.
Yesterday Monday Sept. 29/14 Margaret Liubavicius, Alfred Adamo and I birded Hanlan’s Point on The Islands and among the 53 species found were 2 Nelson’s Sparrows, 1 Lapland Longspur, 6 Warbler species and 9 Sparrow species. Some other highlights were Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shined and Copper’s Hawks, Peregrine Falcon, Philadelphia Vireo, Scarlet Tanager and Indigo Bunting. Besides those birds there was a increase in the expected October and first of season sightings of birds like Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Eastern Phoebe, Brown Creeper, both Kinglets, Hermit Thrush, American Pipit, Nashville Warbler, Palm Warbler (75+), Yellow-rumped Warbler, Field, Swamp, White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows. Note:- On Friday the 26th though we were not birding together both Margaret and I each found a Clay-colored Sparrow in separate locations on Hanlan’s. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS – FALL SCHEDULE Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby. One is located just a block north of the ferry docks. NOTE 1: – For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay. NOTE 2:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands NOTE 3:- From October 15th, 2014 to April 18, 2015 there will be no ferries to Hanlan’s Point or Centre Island, the Ward’s Island ferry will continue to operate during that period as usual. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands OFO trip results
Hello Ontbirders, The morning started with a little rain but it soon relented and left eleven of us with a pleasant day with temperatures between 17 and 21 degrees and light winds out of the west. Beginning our day at Wards we found several mixed-species flocks that kept us busy and our necks sore. A small price to pay for a morning full of bird activity. A total of 60 species for the day. Our thanks to Barry Coombs who kept our tally and will submit our group's findings to E-bird for those who would like the totals. We had nice looks at an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER at Wards and then our other main highlight was a COMMON NIGHTHAWK that gave us some brief looks as it flew north. We ended up with twelve species of Warbler including:YELLOWMAGNOLIABLACKBURNIANBLACKPOLLBAY-BREASTEDAMERICAN REDSTARTNORTHERN PARULATENNESSEEYELLOW-RUMPEDBLACK WHITECHESTNUT-SIDEDCAPE MAY We also found three species of VIREO: one PHILADELPHIA, WARBLING RED-EYED. SCARLET TANAGER, BALTIMORE ORIOLES, BLUE-GREY GNATCATCHERS RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. We had eight CHIMNEY SWIFTS and a few BARN SWALLOWS as well. RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (3). SWAINSONS THRUSH, GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, EASTERN WOOD PEWEE. As the day went on and we made our way to Hanlans we had several SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, one COOPER'S and two MERLIN. Three GREAT EGRET on the day. Waterfowl included GADWALL, WOOD DUCK and a female HOODED MERGANSER. Other people we stopped to converse with offered their findings of a Common Yellowthroat and a Billy Bishop security officer was sure he had a small flock of WHIMBREL on the airport fields early this morning. In non-bird related sightings: one Beaver at the eastern gap and a Neanderthal on Hanlans. A good day and thanks to those who joined me. Good birding, Jay PetersonToronto Directions courtesy of Norm Murr DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - FALL SCHEDULE Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north on of the ferry docks on Bay St. = NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Olive-sided Flycatcher
Today Margaret Liubavicius and I birded Ward’s and Algonquin Islands and though we only found 2 migrants the highlight was a first of season adult Olive-sided Flycatcher. We watched it for about 10 minutes and at all times the white rump patches were quite apparent. The other migrant was a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Hopefully this is just the tip if the iceberg so to speak. There were also lots of the regular breeding birds there and it looks like it was a good nesting season for Northern Flickers and Eastern Kingbirds with approx. 75% of the birds seen being first year birds. Though I don’t do Butterflies Margaret does and we found and she I.D a Tawny Emperor and a Harvester. We also saw as well as the more common Butterflies 2 Giant Swallowtails, Tiger Swallowtail and a mint condition Black Swallowtail. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - SUMMER SCHEDULE Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north on of the ferry docks on Bay St. = NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands You may also want to check out Ron Pittaway’s excellent “Spring Warbler Migration Guide” which is also on the OFO web site. You can find it by clicking on the following:- http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/articles.springwarblers Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - some birds seen on and over The Islands this week
Common Loon, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, both Scaup, Osprey, Cooper’s and Broad-winged Hawk, Virginia Rail, A. Woodcock, Glaucous Gull, R-t Hummingbird, 5 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, E. Wood-Pewee, Alder, Least, Willow and Great-crested Flycatchers, E. Phoebe, E. Kingbird, Cliff Swallow, Winter, House and Carolina Wrens, 4 N. Mockingbirds, Hermit, Swainson’s and Wood Thrush, Veery, Brown Thrasher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, FISH CROW, Blue-headed and Warbling Vireo, 2 Blue-winged Warblers, Prairie Warbler, N. Parula, Blackburnian, Pine, Palm and Wilson’s Warbler, Ovenbird, A. Redstart, N. Waterthrush, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, E. Towhee, 2 Clay-colored Sparrows, Lincoln’s and Swamp Sparrows, hundreds White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows, Bobolink, many Baltimore Orioles and 7 Orchard Orioles. There were of course a lot more species seen in fact 110 species on 3 days between May 5th and yesterday May 10th but I just high lighted the ones I liked. == DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - SPRING SCHEDULE Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north on of the ferry docks on Bay St. = NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands You may also want to check out Ron Pittaway’s excellent “Spring Warbler Migration Guide” which is also on the OFO web site. You can find it by clicking on the following:- http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/articles.springwarblers Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today
Today I joined Alfred Adamo, Gavin Platt and Margaret Liubavicius for a beautiful fall day of birding and later on I was spotted by Alexandra Soliman and Brent Osojima so I joined them for a couple of hours of birding. All of our birding was on Hanlan’s Point only and following are some of the 59 species of birds that were found by the crowd. Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Common Mergansers, Northern Harrier, Cooper’s Hawk, American Kestrels, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Common Snipes, 5 woodpecker species including 2 Red-headed Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Eastern Phoebes, 50+ migrating Blue Jays, Brown Creepers, 2 House Wrens, Winter Wrens, many Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, many Hermit Thrushes, Gray Catbird, 50+ American Pipits, Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos, 10 warbler species including a minimum of 10 Orange-crowned Warblers (don’t have others totals), many Nashville Warblers, 2 Northern Parulas, 150++ Palm Warblers, Wilson’s Warbler (found by another birder), 11 sparrow species including Eastern Towhees, Nelson’s Sparrow (found by Gavin), Lincoln’s Sparrows, 10+ Swamp Sparrows, many White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Bobolink, and Rusty Blackbirds. NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 TORONTO ISLANDS - FALL SCHEDULE Note:- After October 15th there will be no ferries to Hanlan’s Point or Centre Island until April 2014, the Ward’s Island ferry will continue to operate during that period as usual. If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby. One is located just a block north of the ferry docks. Another Note:- After October 14th there will be no ferry to Hanlan’s Point or Centre Island until next April, only the Ward’s Island ferry will be running until then. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Tuesday and Thursday - Warblers, Sparrows, etc.
Though Margaret Liubavicius, Alexandra Soliman, Brent Isojima and I only birded Hanlan’s point on Tuesday and Thursday we did find some interesting birds in the 72 species we found and the following are some of those birds with 2 day total numbers for some of them. Common Merganser, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks, Peregrine Falcon, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe - 19, both Nuthatches, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren - 10, Golden-crowned Kinglet - 150, Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 125, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Hermit Thrush - 42, Gray Catbird - 12, Brown Thrasher, Blue-headed Vireo, 14 warbler species including Orange-crowned Warbler - 5, Northern Parula - 4, Cape May Warbler - 3, Blackburnian Warbler, Palm Warbler - 73, Bay-breasted Warbler - 4, and Blackpoll Warbler, and 10 Sparrow species including Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Lincoln Sparrow, Song Sparrow – 31, Swamp Sparrow - 9, White-throated Sparrow - 225, White-crowned Sparrow- 125 and Dark-eyed Juncos. Note:- By Thursday the number of Warblers had decreased (except Yellow-rumps) and the number of Sparrows had increased. NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 TORONTO ISLANDS - FALL SCHEDULE Note:- After October 15th there will be no ferries to Hanlan’s Point or Centre Island until April 2014, the Ward’s Island ferry will continue to operate during that period as usual. If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby. One is located just a block north of the ferry docks. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Monday and Tuesday - Lots of birds.
Despite the total lack of shorebirds, only 4 waterfowl species and just a few sparrow species we, Ian Cannell, Margaret Liubavicius and myself did find 81 species of birds and below are some of them with totals of a few of them. On Monday we were only able to bird Ward’s and Algonquin Islands and on Tuesday we missed most of Ward’s Island by passing Snake Island and Snug Harbour. Wood Duck, 3 Merlins, Peregrine Falcon, R-t Hummingbirds, Belted Kingfishers, 5 each day, 13 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Olive-sided Flycatcher, 14 E. Wood-Pewees, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher each day, Willow Flycatcher, Least Flycatchers, 77 Eastern Phoebes, 42 of them on Hanlans yesterday, Great Crested Flycatcher, 14 Blue-headed Vireos, 21 Philadelphia Vireos, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, Brown Creepers, Carolina and Winter Wrens, Many Kinglets of both species, Gray-cheeked, Hermit and Swainson’s Thrushes, American Pipits, 21 warbler species including 6 Orange-crowned Warblers, 18 Northern Parulas, Cape Mays, Blackburnians, Pines, 61 Palms, 53 of the Palms on Hanlan’s yesterday, Bay-breasted, Blackpolls, Ovenbirds, A. Redstarts, Wilson’s and Canada, Scarlet Tanagers, Chipping, Lincoln,s, many White-throated and 11 White-crowned Sparrows and 1 Dark-eyed Junco. NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 TORONTO ISLANDS - FALL SCHEDULE If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby. One is located just a block north of the ferry docks. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Red-headed Woodpecker, B. Eagle, Warblers, etc.
Ian Cannell, Peter McParland, Margaret Liubavicius, Bill Smith and myself birded half of Ward’s Island and also Algonquin Island and we found some nice birds which seems to be the norm down there though relatively birder free to our amazement at times. Following are some of the birds we did see – Bald Eagle at tree top height, Sharp-shinned and Broad-winged Hawks, A. Kestrels, Merlin, R-th Hummingbird, adult Red-headed Woodpecker, E. Wood-Pewee, Swainson`s Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, 19 warbler species including 2 Orange-crowns, N. Parulas, Blk-throated Blues, Blackburnians, 3 Pines, Bay-breasteds, Blackpolls, Wilson`s and Mourning Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and 2 early Rusty Blackbirds walking along just 10 feet in front of us for about 10 minutes, great looks and many of the usual birds seen down there. NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 TORONTO ISLANDS - FALL SCHEDULE If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby. One is located just a block north of the ferry docks. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Today yesterday - Cranes, Y-b Cuckoo, raptors and Warblers
Yesterday Ian Cannell, Margaret Liubavicius and I birded Ward’s and Algonquin Islands and though we did not experience a fall out by a long shot our work and patience did produce some nice birds and following is a list of some of them. 10 Sandhill Cranes flying west high up in the sky in the early morning were spotted by Ian and Margaret, 4 Osprey, 18 Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawk, an early Broad-winged Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Yellow-bellied and Least Flycatchers, both Nuthatches, Carolina Wren, Veery, Warbling, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, and 19 Warbler species including an early Orange-crowned Warbler, 7 Northern Parulas, Palm Warbler, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrushes,Wilson’s and Canada Warblers. Today I went over to Ward’s Island by myself and it was very, very bird quiet and I only stayed for a couple of hours but I did manage to find 7 Warbler species including a Pine Warbler, a Blackburnian Warbler and 2 Mourning Warblers making it 22 Warbler species for the 2 days. It can only get better as many migrant passerines have still not shown up yet, especially the Thrushes and Sparrows. NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 TORONTO ISLANDS - FALL SCHEDULE If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby. One is located just a block north of the ferry docks. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Today - Quiet - BUT
This morning Margaret Liubavicius and I birded Ward’s and Algonquin Islands and despite the overnight northerly winds it was very quiet and very, very humid down there with few birds BUT we did dig out some nice birds anyway including Great Egret, Osprey, Merlin, Black-billed Cuckoo, several Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Ovenbird, Canada Warblers and both Waterthrushes including great close up looks for 10 minutes (only feet away) at 2 Louisiana Waterthrushes. These two birds were together, a nice surprise. Margaret also pointed out 2 Giant Swallowtail Butterflies. == DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - SUMMER SCHEDULE Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC's Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen's Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC's Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. Note:- This bus stop is temporarily moved to the northwest side of Front St. They both go down Bay Street to Queen's Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC's Union Subway Station to Queen's Quay (no transfer from the subway required). Note:- This streetcar is not running for the foreseeable future due to construction on Queens Quay. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. to Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St.only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen's Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north on of the ferry docks on Bay St. = NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Y-B Cuckoo and warblers
On Friday the 23rd Ian Cannell, Margaret Liubavicius and I birded the Toronto Islands and on Saturday Jay Peterson joined Ian and the southern movement of passerines seems to be well on the way and following are some of the 81 bird species we found ((with only 3 waterfowl, no shorebirds or thrushes at all, a couple of sparrows and 2 gulls)). Osprey, Cooper’s Hawk, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, R-T Hummingbirds, Belted Kingfishers, Red-bellied Woodpecker, 8 flycatcher species including Olive-sided, Yellow-bellied, Alder and Great-crested, lots of Eastern Wood-Pewees, House Wrens, Northern Mockingbird, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, 21 warbler species including Northern Parula, Cape May, Blackburnian, Pine, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush and a Connecticut Warbler. Another birder we talked to down there told us that he had seen a Mourning Warbler. We also encountered 3 Mink. Note:- Jay Peterson is leading an outing on The Islands this coming Sunday leaving the ferry docks at 7:30 am. Jay will be posting complete info and directions later this week. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - SUMMER SCHEDULE Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. Note:- This bus stop is temporarily moved to the northwest side of Front St. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer from the subway required). Note:- This streetcar is not running for the foreseeable future due to construction on Queens Quay. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. to Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north on of the ferry docks on Bay St. with at least one more (for now) a block or so west of the ferry docks on Queen’s Quay. = NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Golden Eagle, Red-headed Woodpecker, Pine Warbler
Today Ian Cannell and I birded Ward’s Islands to Gibralter Point on the Toronto Islands and though it was a dull day almost all day we did do okay with a fair number of the birds along the boardwalk. Some birds seen were Pied-billed Grebe, 6 Black and 104 White-winged Scoters, Hooded Mergansers, an adult Golden Eagle overhead, a hatch year Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, 4 Eastern Phoebes, Eastern Bluebirds, 14 Hermit Thrushes, both nuthatches, Winter Wren, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, White-winged Crossbills, 22 Yellow-rumped Warblers, Pine Warbler, 7 Fox Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows and Rusty Blackbird. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS - WINTER SCHEDULE DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands ( between March and November ) you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php Another Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. - THERE ARE NO FERRYS TO CENTRE ISLAND OR HANLANS POINT IN THE WINTER From October 9th, 2012 to April 12th, 2013 Norm Murr 303-48 Laverock Ave. Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 4J5 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] - Toronto Islands - Connecticut Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, etc.
Today Ian Cannell and I birded Ward’s and Algonquin Islands and as expected there was a marked increase in migrant birds, species and numbers. The Islands at this time of year and especially during the week has few visitors before noon and almost never any other birders (birders are a rarity over there) trying to steal our birds :)). Following are some of the birds we did find including the 2 subject birds. Canvasback, 6 migrating raptor species including Osprey and Turkey Vultures, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, R-T Hummingbirds, many N. Flickers, E. Wood-Pewees, Willow and Least Flycatchers, Eastern Phoebes, 1000+ Blue Jays, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Carolina, House and Winter Wrens, R-C Kinglets, Swainson’s Thrushes, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbirds, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, 16 warblers species including 7 Northern Parulas, 3 very late Yellow Warblers, 150+ Yellow-rumped Warblers, Pine, Palm, Bay-breasted and Blackpoll Warblers, Connecticut Warbler and Wilson’s Warblers plus 25+ White-throated Sparrows. Note:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at - http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php There is also a free downloadable PDF copy at that site. Toronto Islands – Fall Schedule Fare:- Adults $7:00 - Seniors / Students – $4.50 DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLANDS FERRY DOCKS If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Weston Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay Street TTC bus just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by bus or train must pay a fare to use the bus or streetcar *. * When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on a Sunday before the subway opens at 9 am you can take the 97B Yonge Street Blue night bus (Steeles Ave. to Queen’s Quay) only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page at http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay. Be aware that there is a very limited number of parking lots close to the docks. One of these (fee) is one block north of Queen’s Quay on Bay Street. As far as I know there is no parking allowed on any of the streets very near to the docks. Norm Murr 303-48 Laverock Ave. Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 4J5 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands fall migration - Blue-winged and Prairie Warblers etc.
Friday Bill Smith and I birded the Toronto Islands from Wards to the Centre Island Ferry dock including Algonquin Island between 7.30 A.M. and 4 P.M. and found a total of 67 species. For the most part individual numbers were low other than the Empidonax Flycatchers which were numerous especially the Traill's variety. We found 16 species of Warbler including a handsome male Prairie, Blue-winged, Pine, Blackpole and 4 Cape-may's. 7 species of Flycatcher including a Yellow-bellied and a Willow and many counted simply as Traill's. Other birds of interest were a Merlin, Red-breasted Nuthatch and F.O.S. (for us) White-throated Sparrow and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Oriole's were again numerous while Swallow numbers are down. For more info on how to bird the Toronto Islands check out Norm Murre's Toronto Islands guide. Peter McParland ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands correction.
Warblers should read 17 species - forgot a Canada, total 68 species. Peter McParland ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Connecticut Warbler
This morning I heard a Connecticut Warbler singing on Forestry Island. There is a map of the Islands at the Toronto end of the ferry docks and at each of the three docks on The Islands. Forestry Island is closest to the Centre Island ferry dock. NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php You may also want to check out Ron Pittaway’s excellent “Spring Warbler Migration Guide” which is also on the OFO web site. You can find it by clicking on the following:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/springwarblers.php#when Another Note:- As of May 1st, 2012 - Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 TORONTO ISLANDS - SPRING SCHEDULE DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. Norm Murr 303-48 Laverock Ave. Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 4J5 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Last couple of days - Olive-sided Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-winged Warbler, etc.
Margaret Liubavicius and I visited the Islands today and added some new arrivals to our Thursday outing there. This is a partial list of birds seen. Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Olive-sided, Least *, Willow and Great Crested Flycatcher *, Eastern Kingbird, Rough-winged Swallow, House Wren *, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher *, Veery *, Swainson’s Thrush *, Gray Catbird *, Brown Thrasher, Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireo *, Yellow-throated Vireo, 19 warbler species including Blue-winged and Tennessee Warbler *, Northern Parula *, Cape May, Black-throated Blue *, Blackburnian *, Pine, Palm and Blackpoll Warbler, American Restart *, Ovenbird *, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak *, Indigo Bunting, Field, Lincoln’s *, and White-crowned Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole * and Purple Finch. * These birds are already there in good numbers or increasing. Birds that will hopefully show up in the next 5 to 10 days are both Cuckoos, Orange-crowned, Mourning, Connecticut, Canada and Wilson’s Warblers, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Bobolink and Philadelphia Vireo. NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php You may also want to check out Ron Pittaway’s excellent “Spring Warbler Migration Guide” which is also on the OFO web site. You can find it by clicking on the following:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/springwarblers.php#when Another Note:- As of May 1st, 2012 - Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 TORONTO ISLANDS - SPRING SCHEDULE DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. Norm Murr 303-48 Laverock Ave. Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 4J5 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Toronto islands - Migration is moving along
Yesterday Margaret Liubavicius and I went over to Ward`s Island and today we birded Hanlan`s Point. Though birding was not fantastic we did come up with some new arrivals and more of the birds that arrived last week. Today showed a marked increase in migrants compared to last Friday with double figures for some of the birds. Following is a list of some of the birds we found. Red-throated Loon, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Canvasbacks, Ring-necked Ducks, Turkey Vultures, Cooper`s Hawks, Caspian and Common Terns, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker (both days), Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, many Northern Flickers, Eastern Phoebes, House and Winter Wrens, both Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, many Hermit Thrushes, Brown Thrashers, Yellow-rumped, Pine and Palm Warblers, 10 sparrow species including Eastern Towhees, A. Tree, many Chipping, Field, Savannah, Fox, 75+ Song, Swamp, and 125+ White-throated Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos, and both Purple and House Finches. Each day weather permitting should bring in more species and larger numbers of sparrows, woodpeckers and thrushes. NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- 1. http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php *** You may also want to check out Ron Pittaway’s excellent “Spring Warbler Migration Guide” which is also on the OFO web site. You can find it by clicking on the following:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/springwarblers.php#when TORONTO ISLANDS - SPRING SCHEDULE DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. For those that need the fix if you have the time before heading down to the docks there are many coffee shops and fast food outlets in the Go Station when you get off of the subway at the Union Subway Station and they will be open as early as you can arrive there. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. TORONTO ISLAND - FERRY FARES AND DAILY SCHEDULES There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/fallschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the city side docks. Washrooms are also located at the fire station and are always open and very clean. The 1st boat to Ward’s Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 a.m. and the 2nd is 7:00 a.m. Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 a.m. and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 7:45 a.m. ) The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 8:00 a.m. and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 a.m. Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 8:15 a.m. and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early a.m. ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gates 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 machines do not make change. ( BE SURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY ). The ATM machine at the docks is out of order again. As of the start of the Spring schedule (April 15th) you will run into
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Migration heating up a bit
Good evening. Ian Cannell and I birded The Islands today and though there weren’t a great number of species down there we did find a few nice birds with a noticeable increase in some of the species such as:- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Chipping Sparrow and Fox Sparrow. We had a total of 8 sparrow species. Some other birds that we found were Ring-necked Ducks, Cooper’s Hawks (resident pair), Tree and Barn Swallows, Winter Wrens, Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Towhee, Tree, Chipping, Field, and Savannah Sparrows along with more sightings of both Kinglets and both Purple and House Finches. Species we missed but were reported by others were Northern Harrier, Veery, Yellow-rumped and Pine Warblers and Vesper Sparrow. My apologies if I trumped their planned posting. With southerly winds forecast for overnight tonight and tomorrow it may be worth a trip down there. NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- 1. http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php You may also want to check out Ron Pittaway’s excellent “Spring Warbler Migration Guide” which is also on the OFO web site. You can find it by clicking on the following:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/springwarblers.php#when TORONTO ISLANDS - SPRING SCHEDULE – All 3 ferries are running now to Ward’s Island, Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. For those that need the fix if you have the time before heading down to the docks there are many coffee shops and fast food outlets in the Go Station when you get off of the subway at the Union Subway Station and they will be open as early as you can arrive there. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. TORONTO ISLAND - FERRY FARES AND DAILY SCHEDULES There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/fallschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the city side docks. Washrooms are also located at the fire station and are always open and very clean. The 1st boat to Ward’s Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 a.m. and the 2nd is 7:00 a.m. Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 a.m. and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 7:45 a.m. ) The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 8:00 a.m. and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 a.m. Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 8:15 a.m. and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early a.m. ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gates 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 machines do not make change. ( BE SURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY ). The ATM machine at the docks is out of order again. As of the start of the Spring schedule (April 15th) you will run into construction at the entrance to the ferry docks. Follow the arrows to
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Migration picking up
Good Day Despite the a little bit wind I went down to The Islands and birded half of the islands and following are some of the birds that have arrived in the last 5 days or so. Pied-billed and Red-necked Grebes, Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night-Herons, Canvasbacks, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaups, Sharp-shined and Cooper’s Hawks, (actually the Cooper’s is a resident), Y-B Sapsuckers, Hairy Woodpeckers, Eastern Phoebes, many Tree Swallows over the lake, Brown Creepers, Carolina Wrens (good to see them after a 3 year absence or they were hiding), Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Chipping, Field and Fox Sparrows and House and Purple Finches. It can only get better. This weekend is forecasting southerly winds but of course that can change hourly if their record of accurate forecasting in the past is taken into consideration. NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php You may also want to check out Ron Pittaway’s excellent “Spring Warbler Migration Guide” which is also on the OFO web site. You can find it by clicking on the following:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/springwarblers.php#when Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS - WINTER SCHEDULE DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. THERE ARE NO BOATS TO CENTRE ISLAND PER USUAL OR HANLANS POINT (This is new starting in 2010) IN THE WINTER If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gates 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 machines do not make change. ( BE SURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY ). There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. A new Second Cup Coffee Shop has opened in the southeast area of Bay St. and Lakeshore Blvd and opens at 7 am 7 days per week. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the Kitchen Table and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. There are no concession stands open on The Islands. The drinking fountains through out are turned off until Spring. Washrooms are also located at the fire station and on the north side of Centre Island just west of the gardens. TORONTO ISLAND - FERRY FARES AND DAILY SCHEDULES There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/fallschedule.htm Notes: The ticket booths have been replaced at this time so a ticket machine has been moved inside the terminal - for those that arrive before 7:30 am. There is a map of the Islands at each of the Island side ferry docks and the City side ferry dock. Norm Murr 303-48 Laverock Ave. Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 4J5
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Fox Sparrows
Today I only birded Ward’s and Algonquin Islands. Most birds that I found were to be expected at this time of year. Among the birds found were 7 Fox Sparrows which are just about on time, 3 D-C Cormorants which are early for The Islands as were the 3 N. Flickers that were also found. Eastern Bluebirds were found Saturday and a large flock passed through since then according to some Island residents I talked to. Good Birding. === Note 1:- In my last posts to Ontbirds I included Note 2 (below). Saturday I was talking to the ticket seller and he informed me that the fare increase was turned down and the rate did not change on Feb. 20th. The rates are STILL $6.50 and $4.00. Note 2:- As of February 20, 2012 the price for taking the ferry to the Toronto Islands will increase to $7.00 per adult and $4.50 per Senior and Student. - All fares are return. Note 3:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS - WINTER SCHEDULE DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. THERE ARE NO BOATS TO CENTRE ISLAND PER USUAL OR HANLANS POINT (This is new this year 2010) IN THE WINTER 1. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gates 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 machines do not make change. ( BE SURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY ). There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. A new Second Cup Coffee Shop has opened in the southeast area of Bay St. and Lakeshore Blvd and opens at 7 am 7 days per week. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the Kitchen Table and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. There are no concession stands open on The Islands. The drinking fountains through out are turned off until Spring. Washrooms are also located at the fire station and on the north side of Centre Island just west of the gardens. TORONTO ISLAND - FERRY FARES AND DAILY SCHEDULES There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/fallschedule.htm Notes: There is a map of the Islands at each of the Island side ferry docks and the City side ferry dock. The Ward’s Island washrooms are now open. The ticket booths have been replaced at this time so a ticket machine has been moved inside the terminal. Norm Murr 303-48 Laverock Ave. Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 4J5 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - W-W Crossbills and R-N Ducks
Good Morning Yesterday Margaret Liubavicius, Ian Cannell and I headed for the Toronto Islands to se if any of the reported crossbills had made it into the Toronto area and indeed some have. Following are some of the birds we found, some possible spring arrivals and some obviously northern visitors. 4 nice male Ring-necked Ducks, 18 Lesser Scaup, Hooded Mergansers, 100s of Greater Scaup, Redheads, Common Mergansers and Common Goldeneyes, 75+ White-winged Crossbills in 2 or 3 flocks, 50+ American Goldfinch, 35+ Cedar Waxwings, A. Robins, Golden-crowned Kinglet and Pine Siskin. The crossbills were actively feeding on cone seeds on the tall Spruce Trees on Algonquin Island, great views. One sighting of interest was seeing a female Hooded Merganser come up from a dive in a lagoon with a frog in it’s beak, a surprise sighting not to be expected in February as in all other years that I have birded down there the lagoons are usually frozen solid and support hockey playing residents. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS - WINTER SCHEDULE DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS Alert: – If the city employees go on on strike or are locked out there will be no ferry service to The Islands and the private boat will be for island residents only. If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. THERE ARE NO BOATS TO CENTRE ISLAND PER USUAL OR HANLANS POINT (This is new this year) IN THE WINTER 1. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just outside 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 machines do not make change. ( BE SURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY ). There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. A new Second Cup Coffee Shop has opened in the southeast area of Bay St. and Lakeshore Blvd and opens at 7 am 7 days per week. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the Kitchen Table and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. There are no concession stands open on The Islands. The drinking fountains through out are turned off until Spring. Washrooms are also located at the fire station and on the north side of Centre Island just west of the gardens. TORONTO ISLAND - FERRY FARES AND DAILY SCHEDULES http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm Notes: - There is a map of the Islands at each of the Island side ferry docks and the City side ferry dock. - The Ward’s Island washrooms are now open. - The ticket booths are being renovated at this time so the ticket machines have been moved inside the terminal and to get to these or the ticket booth keep to your right past the hoarding (follow the arrows) and go around and approach the booth from inside the terminal. Norm Murr 303-48 Laverock Ave. Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 4J5 ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands again today - Orange-crowned and Wilson's Warblers, Siskins and Finches
Hello again folks Today I birded with Bill Smith, Ian Cannell and Peter McParland on Ward’s and Algonquin Islands an then Ian and I went ahead alone and birded Gibralter and Hanlan’s Points. Though the number of species was down from yesterday (only 58 species) we did find a big increase in the number of Hermit Thrushes, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets and Eastern Phoebes and a drop in the numbers of warbler species, N. Flickers, Palm Warblers and White-throated Sparrows. Following is our list as a group and mine and Ian’s sightings combined. Canvasbacks, White-winged Scoters, Red-breasted Mergansers, Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks, Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrels, Bonaparte’s Gull, Belted Kingfishers, 18 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, 24 E. Phoebes, Brown Creepers, Winter Wrens, 75+ Golden-crowned Kinglets, 150+ Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 43 Hermit Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos, Tennessee, Orange-crowned, Nashville, Black-throated Blue, 150+ Yellow-rumped, Palm and Wilson’s Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, 150+ White-throated, White-crowned and Song Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Rusty and Red-winged Blackbirds, Purple and House Fiches and Pine Siskins. Another beautiful day to be out there with a few more coming (according to Environment Canada, not me) from now through the 12th. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS - FALL SCHEDULE DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. TORONTO ISLAND - FERRY FARES AND DAILY SCHEDULES There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/fallschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands and on the city side ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks. The 1st boat to Ward’s Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 7:45 am ) The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 8:15 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just outside 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 machines do not make change. There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. A new Second Cup Coffee Shop has opened in the southeast area of Bay St. and Lakeshore Blvd and opens at 7 am 7 days per week. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the “Kitchen Table” and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. Food and beverages on The Islands when open are very expensive i.e. soft drinks e.g. $3.20 plus and Hot Dogs $4.25. There are washrooms and water
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today -
Good afternoon folks. Today I spent a half day birding Ward’s and Algonquin Islands with Bill Smith, Margaret Liubavicius and Peter McParland but left early them to continue on with out me. It wasn’t as busy as Saturday but it was a good day to be birding down there and we were busy enough and following are some of the 66 species of birds that we saw together plus the ones that Bill, Margaret and Peter saw after I abandoned them. Common Loons, Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, White-winged Scoters, Hooded Merganser, Turkey Vultures, N. Harrier, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks, 25+ Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, E. Phoebes, 900+ Blue Jays, Brown Creepers, Winter Wren, both kinglet species, Swainson’s and Hermit Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, A. Pipit, Blue-headed and Philadelphia Vireos, 14 warbler species including Orange-crowned, Cape May, Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green, Palm, Bay-breasted and Blackpoll Warblers, and N. Parulas, E. Towhee, Chipping, Song, Swamp and White-crowned Sparrows, 100+ White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Rusty Blackbirds and 70+ Pine Siskins. Good company as usual - Thanks Peter, Margaret Bill. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS - FALL SCHEDULE DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. TORONTO ISLAND - FERRY FARES AND DAILY SCHEDULES There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/fallschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands and on the city side ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks. The 1st boat to Ward’s Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 7:45 am ) The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 8:15 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just outside 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 machines do not make change. There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. A new Second Cup Coffee Shop has opened in the southeast area of Bay St. and Lakeshore Blvd and opens at 7 am 7 days per week. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the “Kitchen Table” and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. Food and beverages on The Islands when open are very expensive i.e. soft drinks e.g. $3.20 plus and Hot Dogs $4.25. There are washrooms and water fountains through out and a washrooms is also located at the fire station. PS - There is a map of the Islands at each of the Island side ferry docks and the City side and a small brochure is now
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Red-throated Loon, Sandhill Crane,
Good evening all. Today Alfred Adamo and I birded The Islands from Ward’s Island to Hanlan’s Point and for awhile we were joined by Peter McParland and I can safely say that today was the best day so far in this month of October. It started of with the threat of another day of rain but turned out to be a beautiful fall day and the wind only aided in our coming up with a total of 83 species of birds. We did not find one thrush but following are some of the birds and some totals. Red-throated Loon (overhead), Common Loon, Green Heron, 425+ Canada Geese (flying south high overhead), 2 Cackling Geese (with the Canada Geese), Canvasbacks, Greater Scaup, 75+ Red-breasted Mergansers (overhead), 50+ Turkey Vultures, Osprey, 4 Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers, 20+ Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawks, Kestrels, Merlins, Sandhill Crane (overhead), Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, E. Wood-Pewees, E. Phoebes, Willow and Least Flycatchers, Horned Lark, Brown Creepers, Winter Wrens, both Kinglets, Gray Catbirds, Blue-headed, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, 19 species of warblers including a respectable 9 Orange-crowned Warblers, many Nashville and Palm Warblers, 5 N. Parulas, Cape May, Black-throated Blue, 250+ Yellow-rumped, Blackburnian, Pine, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll and Mourning Warbler, Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Chipping Sparrows, Dark-eyed Junco and 80+ Rusty Blackbirds (many of them in trees and bushes). A great day to be out there despite the lack of shorebirds and thrushes. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS - FALL SCHEDULE DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. TORONTO ISLAND - FERRY FARES AND DAILY SCHEDULES There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/fallschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands and on the city side ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks. The 1st boat to Ward’s Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 7:45 am ) The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 8:15 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just outside 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 machines do not make change. There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. A new Second Cup Coffee Shop has opened in the southeast area of Bay St. and Lakeshore Blvd and opens at 7 am 7 days per week. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the “Kitchen Table” and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Gray-cheeked Thrush - Brown Thrasher etc.
Good birding on the Island Wednesday. We covered only Ward's Island (including Algonquin) between 8 and 3 and finished just before the firehouse. Thanks to the overnight rain there were birds everywhere and the weather was mild and sunny until just before we left with light winds from the southeast. We tallied 57 species and no doubt missed a few others as sorting through the very large numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers and R.C. Kinglets looking for the goodies added a lot of time and frustration. Other than the expected species we saw: 14 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers - Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireo - House and Winter Wren - Brown Creeper - Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks - Bald Eagle - 5 specie of Thrush including 4 Gray-cheeked, Swainson's and 5+ Hermit - Brown Thrasher - several Scarlet Tanagers - Song, Lincoln's and many White-throated Sparrows. The warblers included Tennessee - 4 Orange-crowned - Nashville - 4 Northern Parula - many Magnolia - Black-throated Blue - Blackburnian - Black-throated Green - Palm - Blackpole - American Redstart - Common Yellow-throat - Wilsons and big numbers of Yellow-rumped. BillSmit and Peter McParland ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Blue-headed Vireo - Grey-cheeked Thrush etc
On Sunday with Bill Smith I birded the Toronto Islands from Ward's Island to Hanlan's Point between 9 A.M. and 4.30P.M. The birding was quiet but we managed to see 52 species despite adverse wind conditions, falling leaves too many people and White-throated Sparrows which seemed to be everywhere. Some of the birds we saw other than the common varieties were: Osprey - Sharp-shinned, Cooper's- Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel. Blue-headed (F.O.S. for us), Warbling, Red-eyed and Philadelphia Vireo. Grey-cheeked and Swainson's Thrush, strangely not a Robin anywhere.Eastern Phoebe (F.O.S. for us) and 13 species of Warbler including Blackburnian - Nashville - Chestnut-sided - Magnolia - Black-throated Blue - Yellow-rumped - Black-throated Green - Palm - Blackpole - American Redstart - Ovenbird - Common Yellow-throat and Wilson's. Not a barn burner but wonderful day to be out. Peter McParland ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands- Report for week - Orange-crowned and Connecticut Warblers, Red-headed Woodpecker
Good day all. For the last 8 days myself and the usual group of birders, Ian Cannell, Margaret Liubavicius, Bill Smith and Peter McParland have been birding The Islands on the days it didn`t rain and we did come up with some nice birds. Most of the time we only birded Ward’s and Algonquin Islands. Waterfowl and shorebirds are not really a factor on the Islands. Too early for the fall waterfowl arrivals and Hanlan`s Point beach is too disturbed by the overflow of men from the Clothing Optional beach. Following are some of the birds we as a group found down there:- Common Loon, Trumpeter Swans, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Harrier, Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s and Broad-winged Hawks, Merlins and Kestrels, Dunlin, Caspian Terns, R-T Hummingbirds, Kingfishers, Red-headed (juvenile) Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, many Flickers, Wood-Pewees, Yellow-bellied, Least and Great Crested Flycatchers, Philadelphia, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, 600+ Blue Jays passing overhead, Brown Creeper, House and Winter Wrens, R-C Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Eastern Bluebirds, Veerys, Gray-cheeked and Swainson’s Thrushes, some of the 23 warbler species include Tennessee, 5 x Orange-crowned, N. Parula, Cape May, Blackburnian, Pine, many Blackpoll, Bay-breasted, 5 x Connecticut Warblers, and Wilson’s Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, White-throated and Lincoln’s Sparrows, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Baltimore Orioles. Migration still seems slow with very low numbers (singles most days) of thrush, kinglet and sparrows and the warblers we did find were in small flocks moving quickly through the trees as they fed and it was very hard to I.D. them. I think we probably only identified less than a third of them. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS - FALL SCHEDULE DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. TORONTO ISLAND - FERRY FARES AND DAILY SCHEDULES There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/fallschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands and on the city side ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks. The 1st boat to Ward’s Island is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 7:45 am ) The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 8:15 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just outside 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 machines do not make change. There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. A new Second Cup Coffee Shop has opened in the southeast area of Bay St. and Lakeshore Blvd and opens at 7 am 7 days per week. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Connecticut and Orange-crowned Warbler, Lincoln's Sparrow etc.
I birded the Toronto Islands Saturday with Bill Smith and Sunday alone. Sunday there was very little activity. Started at Hanlan's Point at 8.30 and after an hour transferred to Wards Island which was equally inactive and left at noon. Saturday on the other hand we birded Wards and Algonquin Island and managed to tally 54 species between 7.30 A.M. and 2.00P.M. Other than the to be expected species we saw Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers and a big movement of Flickers. Grey-cheeked and Swainson's Thrush and Scarlett Tanager. F.O.S. Birds (for us) included Winter Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Lincoln's and White-throated Sparrow and we tallied 19 species of Warbler including a Connecticut (maybe2) Orange-crowned, Cape May, Blackburnian, Blackpole, Bay-breasted Northern Parula and a late Canada. The flocks we encountered were for the most part large and fast moving with the predominant warbler specie American Redstart, Blackpole, Black-throated Green and Nashville . Flycatchers and Vireos were conspicuous by their absence. Weather - morning overcast - afternoon mostly sunny light winds. Peter McParland ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Orange-crowned Warbler - Eastern Phoebe etc.
On Thursday September 15 Bill Smith, Gunner Bessel and I birded Wards Island from the Eastern Gap to the Island Fire Station and saw 46 species between 7.30 A.M. and 1.30 P.M. In addition to the expected birds we saw a F.O.S Eastern Phoebe, Warbling, Red-eyed and Philadelphia Vireos, Swainson's Thrush, Scarlet Tanager and 16 species of Warbler including Orange-crowned (2) Ovenbird, Pine and Blackburnian. While our species count was not exceptional the numbers of each species seen were high. We encountered a half dozen or more feeding flocks some of which contained so many birds we could not count or identify them. Weather was partly cloudy with a strong north west wind. Peter McParland ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Toronto islands - Hooded Warbler
Good Day again. Today on another really beautiful day I joined Margaret Liubavicius and then Alfred Adamo joined us for awhile for another short day of Island birding and it was a much better day bird wise than yesterday but still migration is very slow but we did find 20 warbler species. Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawk, Sanderling, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Least, Yellow-bellied and Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Kingbird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Veery, Swainson’s and Gray-cheeked Thrush, Philadelphia, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireo, Tennessee, Black-throated Blue, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Palm, Wilson’s, Canada and Hooded Warbler (thanks to Margaret for getting me to look closer at the yellow bird), and of course a number of the more common birds. Following is a list of some of the birds we found (most being on Hanlan’s Point and a few on Gibralter Point. Not many GTA birders bird The Islands for some unknown reason but I do hope that my posts show them what they are missing in their own back yard. More birders from outside Toronto show up from time to time than those that live in the city, strange. That last statement is from my musings and not really included to solicit a response. PS If any of you plan on birding The Islands tomorrow be aware that the annual September Frisbee Golf tournament is going on on Ward’s Island. The golf course extends from the Island fire station to the start of Centre Island and there are many participants from all over attending the event which means a lot of flying objects and a lot of people walking in the birding areas. My suggestion is to not bird that part of The Islands tomorrow. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS - FALL SCHEDULE DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. TORONTO ISLAND - FERRY FARES AND DAILY SCHEDULES There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/fallschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands and on the city side ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks. The 1st boat to Ward’s Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 7:45 am ) The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 8:15 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, Ontario ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
