Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Toronto Reports => Topic started by: ilka on February 17, 2021, 05:35:50 PM

Title: Small flock of snow buntings at Harris Filtration Plant Feb 17
Post by: ilka on February 17, 2021, 05:35:50 PM

This afternoon, around 4pm, there were around 10 snow buntings on the hillside near the lake at the Harris Water Filtration Plant at the east end of the Beaches in Toronto.  Also saw 5 golden eye in the water (3 male, 2 female). 

Title: Re: Small flock of snow buntings at Harris Filtration Plant Feb 17
Post by: Shortsighted on February 17, 2021, 07:13:27 PM

What were they doing? Did they remain on site for long? Did you see them arrive? Did you see them first, or hear their chatter. The last time I encountered a group of snow bunting I heard them before I saw them. That was in Whitby and also in the late afternoon.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZhZFVnH/0/4fe34561/M/i-ZhZFVnH-M.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-ZhZFVnH/A)
Thanks for posting.

Title: Re: Small flock of snow buntings at Harris Filtration Plant Feb 17
Post by: ilka on February 18, 2021, 08:49:28 AM

I saw them on the hillside.  Of course, at first, I thought they were house sparrows (keep my hopes in check) but I knew they weren't.  They were feeding where the snow had melted, flying around to a new bare patch, then another new spot, etc.  They were there for a while, longer than me.

Title: Re: Small flock of snow buntings at Harris Filtration Plant Feb 17
Post by: Ally on February 18, 2021, 09:47:22 AM

Quote from: Shortsighted on February 17, 2021, 07:13:27 PM

What were they doing? Did they remain on site for long? Did you see them arrive? Did you see them first, or hear their chatter. The last time I encountered a group of snow bunting I heard them before I saw them. That was in Whitby and also in the late afternoon.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZhZFVnH/0/4fe34561/M/i-ZhZFVnH-M.jpg) (https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-358cgw/i-ZhZFVnH/A)
Thanks for posting.

I thought you said they were chattering. Both of them had their beaks shut. Did you make them? Such great pic!!

Title: Re: Small flock of snow buntings at Harris Filtration Plant Feb 17
Post by: Shortsighted on February 18, 2021, 11:22:04 AM

Why do ground-feeding bird chatter (sometimes) when they forage? What possible purpose could it serve? Wouldn't it be beneficial to remain quiet and then call out only when sensing danger? Why do people chatter when they eat? Gossip? Being social demands an auditory contribution. Does gossip have a purpose? YES IT DOES! The low-down makes it around the neighbourhood much faster than any other communique. What do they chatter about? Who knows. "Do you think the jays will beat out the cardinals for the pennant this year?" Everyone in the flock has an opinion.
When I show up with a camera an no discernible opinion they all retreat to the branches and shut up, stifling a giggle because they can't really believe why anyone would bring such a puny lens.

Title: Re: Small flock of snow buntings at Harris Filtration Plant Feb 17
Post by: ilka on February 20, 2021, 03:16:00 PM

Ally, the photo is not mine. (wish I could take credit for it).