Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Toronto Reports => Topic started by: Brian Bailey on March 29, 2014, 11:06:25 AM

Title: Toronto's Year of the Raven?
Post by: Brian Bailey on March 29, 2014, 11:06:25 AM

Adding to the pair of Ravens sighted at Downsview Park and the pair building a nest by the spit, a pair have returned to the Bell transmission tower by Eglinton & Pharmacy.  I've caught some glimpses over the past few weeks, but yesterday was the first time I got a good enough view to be 100% sure they weren't crows.  I'm guessing they are either the same pair or offspring of the pair that nested there last year.

The nest is a bit hard to see because it's really high:  about halfway up on a catwalk adjacent to the west post where there is an antenna sticking out the side.

So it appears there are at least 3 pairs of Ravens in Toronto this year, 2 of which have, or are building nests.  I don't know if that's completely unprecedented if you go far enough back in history, but it certainly hasn't happened in a very long time.

BB

Title: Re: Toronto's Year of the Raven?
Post by: Rotarran on March 29, 2014, 12:35:12 PM

I have heard and others have seen Ravens at Rouge Park in Scarborough @ Reesor Road just south of Steeles.  Now that's at the very edge of Toronto of course with York Region across the street and Durham Region only a short drive away.  But it's still Toronto.

I have always wondered why there weren't more Ravens in the city.  What in particular makes Toronto more palatable to Crows but not Ravens?  It will be interesting to observe as this phenomenon continues.

Title: Re: Toronto's Year of the Raven?
Post by: mr.sharp-photo on March 30, 2014, 08:34:20 AM

yeah, can someone explain the crow vs raven thing for toronto?
why don't we normally have ravens?

Title: Re: Toronto's Year of the Raven?
Post by: American Redstart on March 30, 2014, 08:57:05 AM

There may be even another pair as I saw 2 croaking, while flying over Lambton Woods.

Title: Re: Toronto's Year of the Raven?
Post by: Reuven_M on March 30, 2014, 09:01:58 AM

Quote from: "mr.sharp-photo"

yeah, can someone explain the crow vs raven thing for toronto?
why don't we normally have ravens?

Ravens got pushed out with settlement - not sure whether it was just the change of habitat or deliberate persecution. They've been coming back now - Ravens have nested in the Guelph area for just the past couple of year.

Title: Re: Toronto's Year of the Raven?
Post by: Dinusaur on April 05, 2014, 08:16:51 PM

Quote from: "Rotarren"

I have heard and others have seen Ravens at Rouge Park in Scarborough @ Reesor Road just south of Steeles.  Now that's at the very edge of Toronto of course with York Region across the street and Durham Region only a short drive away.  But it's still Toronto....

Today I saw and photographed one at Rouge Park. While I was there I met a gentleman who provides guided tour to the park. He was also looking at the bird through his binoculars. He told me that a pair is currently nesting there and has been regularly doing so in the park over the years.