Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Toronto Reports => Topic started by: Anonymous on November 30, 2007, 06:20:48 PM

Title: Harlequin Duck at Ashbridges Bay
Post by: Anonymous on November 30, 2007, 06:20:48 PM

This morning there was a beautiful adult male Harlequin Duck in the marina area at Ahbridges Bay.

 It was easily seen just off the public boat launching ramps beside the main parking lot.

 If you go be sure to check the areas out of the forecast Northerly winds.

Title:
Post by: Andrew McKinley on November 30, 2007, 11:51:24 PM

Is the Harlequin a really rare sighting for the Toronto area? I've never seen one.
-Andrew

Title:
Post by: GStuart on December 01, 2007, 01:16:55 AM

They don't necessarily come by every year, but most years there will be a few off the shores of the GTA.  Late autumn and winter are your best bets.

Title:
Post by: Tyler on December 01, 2007, 12:26:21 PM

In the Oshawa area, mid winter to early April seems to be when most Harlequins show up. Have even seen Harlequins in early May foraging on Beaton's Reef off Darlington provincial Park. They are annual visitors in the area here. However most are for only a few days.

Title: Harlequin's
Post by: Anonymous on December 01, 2007, 12:33:57 PM

At Humber Bay Park in Toronto 1 or 2 Harlequin's spent the whole winter during the last 4 years so if you want to see one you may want to try the area from the mouth of the Humber River to and including Humber Bay Park East. They can at times also be found at Humber Bay Park West.

 The one I had in Ashbridges Bay may also spend quite some time there. Individuals have in the past few years.

 Good luck if you look for them and please report your sightings of this bird so others may enjoy it / them.