Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Toronto Reports => Topic started by: Rotarran on May 13, 2013, 09:26:52 AM

Title: Question regarding Common Loon reports
Post by: Rotarran on May 13, 2013, 09:26:52 AM
Been trying to catch a glimpse of the Common Loon for a couple of months now with no luck.  I hit all the good spots including Col. Sams and Leslie Spit checking both the water and the sky for flybys.  I have noticed that on ebird several people have reported Common Loons at High Park.  

My question is: the Common Loons reported at High Park, are those flybys or are those seen in the water in the ponds at High Park?  

Any other tips would be welcome as well.  Thank you.
Title: Re: Question regarding Common Loon reports
Post by: Pat Hodgson on May 13, 2013, 11:41:28 AM
I can't speak for others but the one I posted for 5/11 was a flyby.  I don't think they are likely to use the water bodies in High Park.  Loons seem to linger more in Lake Ontario locations in fall vs. spring.  Have heard that loon flyover numbers are way down this year.
Title: Re: Question regarding Common Loon reports
Post by: Rotarran on May 13, 2013, 12:07:38 PM
I have not, but it is interesting to know.  Are they simply delayed due to the weather or are their numbers just down in general?
Title: Re: Question regarding Common Loon reports
Post by: Pat Hodgson on May 13, 2013, 01:50:59 PM
Many loons have died from botulism.  But everything this year seems slow due to weather.  So it is not clear.
Title: Re: Question regarding Common Loon reports
Post by: Trillian Flummox on May 13, 2013, 02:31:22 PM
I've seen several Common Loons flying over Sam's and the Leslie Spit in the last few weeks. I've only seen two swimming reasonably close to shore and that was several weeks ago at the Spit.

-kris
Title: Re: Question regarding Common Loon reports
Post by: little frank on May 14, 2013, 12:37:22 PM
We just got back from Pelee and everything seems to be about a week or late. So low numbers would fit this scenario. Also there was a "reverse migration" at Pelee this year so the weather has had a big effect on numbers and distribution.

Little Frank