Outdoor Ontario
Birding Reports => Southern Ontario Reports => Topic started by: ichiro17 on April 20, 2008, 02:35:43 PM
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In southern Ontario, particularly within an hour of the GTA, where can I go to find osprey, eagles or other active raptors?
Second Marsh in Oshawa seems like a good spot for the osprey, are there any particular hotspots there?
Was out at the Spit yesterday and didn't do too badly for a first time out, but didn't really see too much either (it was really really windy and I think that might have kept a lot of birds from being much more active)
I'll post some pics soon from yesterday, just have to get around to converting them and such.
This forum is really great and thanks for all those who are active.
JG
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We've seen an Osprey the last couple of weeks at Second Marsh, so it might be nesting nearby.
About 1 hr away is the Kawarthas, and there are about 100 nests up there, a number of which are right beside the road.
For Bald Eagles, you're probably best off to try the north shore of Lake Erie.
www.peregrine-foundation.ca (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca) has the locations of active nests in and around the GTA.
There's a Red-Tail nest right in Queen's Park on the building itself.
We usually have Red-Tailed Hawks and Harriers at Cranberry Marsh all summer.
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Some raptors are being seen flying along the Scarborough Bluffs around the Brimley Road area. I've seen many Turkey Vultures and a few resident hawks and kestrels flying about lately. Sometimes if you are lucky enough, the birds will be flying just below the edge of the bluffs which can provide a spectacular photo op as you are actually standing above the birds as they fly past you, just DON'T get too close to the edge!!! The only problem right now for viewing raptors is the fact that it is far better in the fall season during their fall migration. More birds, more photo ops!!!
Another good place to try is High Park.
Bluffs Birder
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Hey thanks for all the info....any particular spots along the bluffs (I'm not familiar with the area) that I can access to try and get some nice photos of these birds?
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The place I go to is Scarborough Bluffs Park.
By vehicle,
If driving East along Kingston Road, as you approach Midland Avenue turn right on to Kelsonia Avenue (just before the gas station).
OR...
If driving South along Midland Avenue, after you cross Kingston Road turn left on to Kelsonia Avenue.
Following Kelsonia Avenue until you reach Scarborough Crescent.
Turn right on to Scarborough Crescent and following it down until you get to Undercliff Drive.
Turn left on to Undercliff Drive and go to the end of the street and park your car beside the park.
By TTC,
Go to Victoria Park subway station and take the Kingston Road 12 bus.
Get off at Chine Drive (1 stop after Midland Avenue).
Walk down Chine Drive (the same side of the street that you get off the bus) until you reach the end of the road and then walk down the pathway. This will take you to the end of Undercliff Drive.
You have now arrived at Scarborough Bluffs Park. You'll see a line of trees at the end of Undercliff Drive, there is a path on the right-hand side that goes through the trees, this will take you to the naturalized area of the park, just follow the path until you reach the edge of the bluffs...just don't get to close, they are very dangerous as they are always eroding away. Don't be affraid to speak to anyone...everybody is very friendly and more than happy to share a bird story or two with you. Also, follow the path that runs along the edge of the bluffs back in to the other area of the park to take more great photos. There are no washrooms in the park so be prepared.
Good Luck and Happy Birding!!!
Bluffs Birder
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This is probably more than an hour away, but it is on the way to Carden, which is a very popular spring birding location.
A sure-thing spot for Osprey is along Canal Lake Park Road. Ospreys have for years nested on platforms on the telephone poles next to the road. This road runs north from Hwy 48 between Bolsover and Kirkfield. The general area is the east side of Lake Simcoe.
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We have a couple of osprey in Cambridge at the blair bridge(nearest exit homer watson). They are usually there everyday. Saw a blad eagle in glen morris the other day
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Osprey are doing well, there is a pair back at Guelph Lake which is just east of Guelph and the pair at Mountsberg Conservation area which is just east of Campbellville ,from the Guelph line exit off the 401
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A lot of osprey in Fergus at Belwood lake and area as well.