Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Toronto Reports => Topic started by: Rotarran on September 24, 2015, 05:14:20 PM

Title: 16 Cackling Geese at Downsview Park
Post by: Rotarran on September 24, 2015, 05:14:20 PM
In pond right now. Also warblers in wooded areas
Title: Re: 16 Cackling Geese at Downsview Park
Post by: Rotarran on September 24, 2015, 05:21:37 PM
Just took off in a NE direction. Will post pics tonight
Title: Re: 16 Cackling Geese at Downsview Park
Post by: Rotarran on September 24, 2015, 05:25:46 PM
And they're back. Might have just stretched their wings a bit.
Title: Re: 16 Cackling Geese at Downsview Park
Post by: Rotarran on September 24, 2015, 09:56:11 PM
As promised, here's a couple of pics of the Cackling Geese.  They stuck around long enough for Dinu to see them but when I checked for them later, they were gone.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5785/21665997716_27e2615d83_z.jpg)

Here they are with their larger cousin in the background:
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5672/21504232838_2812a7c98b_z.jpg)
Title: Re: 16 Cackling Geese at Downsview Park
Post by: Dinusaur on September 25, 2015, 08:17:27 PM
Thanks for pointing them out to me. What a sight it was. The comparison shot is very nice.
Title: Re: 16 Cackling Geese at Downsview Park
Post by: Rotarran on September 25, 2015, 10:28:45 PM
Yeah I've never seen a flock that size before.  It was wonderful to see how tight their group was and when they flew, they were very organized as well.  Much more than the Canadas.  

Just wanted to mention that Downsivew is also proving to be a pretty good place for warblers, vireos and thrushes.  I've been seeing a steady number since late August...but especially in the last few days.  There are likely more to arrive every day.

In various areas of the park I have now seen the following species:

1 x Chestnut-sided Warbler - Aug. 25 - in trees near tall large poll
3 x Common Yellowthroat - every day since Sep 22nd - close to train tracks in that valley with brush and wildflowers but also in the paths north of the flag
5 x Palm Warbler - every day since Sep 22nd - several throughout the park
1 x Wilson's Warbler - Sep 23rd - close to train tracks
1 x Magnolia Warbler - Sep 24th and 25th - in the periphery of wooded area
1 x Cape May Warbler - Sep 25th - same area as Magnolia
1 x Blackpoll or Bay-breasted Warbler.  - Sep 24 - close to Common Yellowthroat near the train tracks

1 x Red-eyed Vireo - near Cape May location
1 x Ruby-crowned Kinglet - near Cape May location

Anyway, Downsview is known as a good place for Hawks, Kestrels, Owls and at times Shorebirds...but it's great to also find some smaller passerines.  :)
Title: Re: 16 Cackling Geese at Downsview Park
Post by: Dinusaur on September 26, 2015, 08:21:52 PM
Add to this list, a Winter Wren, a Northern Mockingbird, a Nashville Warbler and a few Savannah Sparrows from today. Also flushed something what looked like a Wilson's snipe. Didn't have time to take a photo.
Title: Re: 16 Cackling Geese at Downsview Park
Post by: Rotarran on September 27, 2015, 12:05:32 AM
Quote from: "Dinusaur"
Add to this list, a Winter Wren, a Northern Mockingbird, a Nashville Warbler and a few Savannah Sparrows from today. Also flushed something what looked like a Wilson's snipe. Didn't have time to take a photo.

Awesome finds!  Today seemed a bit slower for me but I did run across a Grey Catbird and what I think it is a Lincoln's Sparrow.  Just waiting to confirm in ID thread.

Oh and 2 Ravens flew overhead towards sundown.