Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Birding Areas => Topic started by: Cody on May 21, 2009, 09:20:12 PM

Title: Birding Locations in the Area of High Park
Post by: Cody on May 21, 2009, 09:20:12 PM

Hi everyone,

 I have been planning a trip to High Park for a couple weeks now and I was just wondering are their any other locations that are good for both photography and birding in the area of High Park?

  Thanks,
   Cody

Title: High Park
Post by: KPaw on May 21, 2009, 09:51:35 PM

Hi Cody,
If you walk north/south along Grenadier Pond (Grenadier Pond runs basically from Bloor St. to LakeShore Blvd.) you will see much worth photographing.   Unfortunately, the pond seems to be very quiet right now with the swans, ducks and even the geese being rather secretive during their nesting); however, it is a lovely spot and you are guaranteed to see a lot of birds also.  There are definitely still about six wood ducks at the very northerly portion of the pond.  There is also a Great Egret that hovers around.  

As for some warblers there is a spot behind the tennis courts and just in front of the allotment gardens so if you enter the park from Bloor St. the tennis courts are just a short way south and just slightly beyond that and sort of tucked away are the allotment gardens and, as indicated, there is usually some good birdings spots in there.

Please don't hesitate to ask me any questions at all about High Park as I visit there every day.  I hope you enjoy yourself.

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Post by: Bird Brain on May 22, 2009, 07:57:24 AM

Hi Cody.  Check out the ponds in the SE corner of the park - always something interesting in that area.  The High Park Zoo is great too!  If you need to rest your feet for awhile, hop aboard the trackless train (the "red train") - a fun ride around the park.  :D  

Not sure if they're still there or not, but ... there were some sort of European (?) ducks at the zoo that walk upright, run together in a large group, look like running bowling pins.  One of the funniest things I've ever seen!  :lol:  

Anyone know the name of these ducks or where they originate from?

Jo-Anne  :)

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Post by: Cody on May 22, 2009, 08:16:50 AM

Thanks everyone. Could I have some directions to get here.


Thanks,
Cody

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Post by: Pat Hodgson on May 22, 2009, 10:58:19 AM

http://www.torontobirding.ca/hotspots/descriptions.php#link11 gives some idea how to get there

despite being right next to the Gardiner it is not simple to get into High Park from the highway

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Post by: Niloc on May 22, 2009, 12:33:56 PM

Best to take Lakeshore and get of on Parkside Drive as you drive north the park and pond will be on your left or west side, you can enter the park off Parkside make a quick left then follow the road to the parking lot you will be at the Petting Zoo and the Wood duck pond area...you can also take Parkside to Bloor turn left that would be West and then turn South into the main Park entrance the road goes a little right and winds but you end up at the Restaurant and you will be north at the top of the hill from Grenedier Pond hope this helps either way it is a great park and the beauty is you never know what you will see!

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Post by: Cody on May 22, 2009, 03:55:14 PM

Thanks. Which time would be better to go: Sunday or late June?

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Post by: Bird Brain on May 22, 2009, 05:30:59 PM

Quote from: "Cody"

Thanks. Which time would be better to go: Sunday or late June?

Both.  :lol:

Get there fairly early though or you might not find a parking spot!  :shock:

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Post by: Cody on May 23, 2009, 09:50:21 AM

:lol: Thanks.  Does anyone have a checklist of certain birds that are common to High Park and other parks in the area?


Thanks,
Cody

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Post by: Cody on May 23, 2009, 06:35:04 PM

It appears that I will be going to High Park, Sam Smith Park, and Shell Park (Oakville). Thank you everyone for the information!

Note: Since I'm a newbie, get ready for a big list in "Bird ID" :lol: