Outdoor Ontario
Birding Reports => Toronto Reports => Topic started by: Rob'in'To on May 15, 2010, 08:07:16 PM
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Angie (angieinto) and myself were out from early this morning. We hit the Etobicoke Creek area (Browns Line and Horner) first as she had been there a few days ago. We saw a number of species but the most spectacular was a pair of Scarlet Tanagers. Other noted species included Black and White Warbler, Orioles (almost certain we saw our first Orchard Oriole), Rose Breasted Grosbeaks, Chickadees, Robins, Cardinals, a yet to be identified Flycatcher.
Next was Marie Curtis Park as the Creek runs into there... we saw a male Indigo Bunting, a Magnolia Warbler and lots of Yellow Warblers (they were everywhere!) on the west end beyond the parking area. Orioles, Red Wings, Gold Finches, Cowbirds and one Deer were also spotted. A seemingly constant flow of Blue Jays flew overhead.
After brunch we then hit High Park, around the Colbourne Lodge area. A large number of White Crowned Sparrows could be seen on the grass. A pair of Cardinals were spotted in a shrub and we discovered they had a nest within and babies were present. Fighting Orioles. A Northern Parula (first for us). Too many more to list. And once again, on our way back to the car, another Scarlet Tanager.
I was very excited with the second Tanager sighting as this is my first time to see this species and the first one was so quick that by the time I got a fix on him with the binoculars, 4 seconds passed and both him and her took off. The second Tanager buzzed around the area for a good 5 minutes despite a male Cardinal attacking him at one point.
Oh, lastly, I was fortunate enough to have a male Red Wing Blackbird land in my hand for some peanuts at High Park.
A great day overall despite the overcast skies.