Outdoor Ontario
Birding Reports => Toronto Reports => Topic started by: Rotarran on September 16, 2015, 09:50:39 PM
-
A quick report on Downsview. The shorebird action has died down a bit but now the birds of prey are stepping up their game. Most notably a beautiful Northern Harrier that looks very similar to the one I saw almost exactly one year ago at Downsview Park.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5657/21291949740_82e2f30f2e_z.jpg)
I also saw 3 American Kestrels hovering almost like Hummingbirds. I don't know for sure but I think that the 3 are a family with one male, one female and their offspring. I've seen them before and they seem so tight and are always flying together. I think the parents are trying to teach the offspring how to hunt. Fun to watch.
Shot a couple of short videos...sorry if it's a bit shaky: https://youtu.be/DCjOPaf5-pA (https://youtu.be/DCjOPaf5-pA)
There's also what appeaers to be a new Red-tailed Hawk at the park. A very beautiful specimen with a reddish head and a cream white chest. Here's a short video of him scratching his head. Not something I see often haha: https://youtu.be/apggysNPOxI (https://youtu.be/apggysNPOxI)
-
Before I forget, I also saw 2 WT Deer...a small fawn and I think its mother. I didn't want to get too close so as not to stress them out but I did get this pic of the fawn.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5641/21454105186_ba0147ecaa_z.jpg)
Deer are extremely uncommon at Downsview.
-
Nice set and the video. The Kestrels are master of hovering, aren't they? I dropped by this afternoon on my way back from work - unfortunately it was very cloudy. However, I saw three deer (a mother and two babies) as well as the Kestrels. Also, saw some areas of the park fenced off with a big stage setup - probably for some upcoming concerts.
-
Nice set and the video. The Kestrels are master of hovering, aren't they? I dropped by this afternoon on my way back from work - unfortunately it was very cloudy. However, I saw three deer (a mother and two babies) as well as the Kestrels. Also, saw some areas of the park fenced off with a big stage setup - probably for some upcoming concerts.
Agreed, nice photos and videos. I have seen deer at Downsview before. There is a weekend concert Riot Fest starting today at 11am, probably not the best weekend to bird Downsview.
-
I passed by today for a couple of hours and although it was a bit quiet, I did find a couple of warblers including a Palm Warbler and Common Yellowthroat.
There are also lots of Monarchs at the park.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/670/21650306851_419ffb97c5_z.jpg)