Outdoor Ontario
Birding Reports => Toronto Reports => Topic started by: cairnstone on July 13, 2010, 11:07:19 AM
-
Carleton Park, which is located on the west side of Dixie Road just north of Balmoral Drive, has abundant bird life. A Green Heron has been hanging around and likes to perch in a dead tree in plain view. Also, at the moment, Cedar Waxwings and Red-eyed Vireos abound. The Vireos are tough to spot, but are very vocal. Cooper's Hawks reside year-round and can sometimes be observed hunting. Northern Flickers are also plentiful and favour the same dead tree the Green Heron has been using (excellent for photography). Catbirds are easily observed (and heard). There is also an abundance of the usual year-round residents. Both nuthatches are here along with Downys and Hairys. Baltimore Orioles are present, but not plentiful.
During spring and autumn migration this place truly is a gem. Fox Sparrows and all the Thrushes are reliable visitors along with countless warblers, wrens, grosbeaks and hawks. Winter residents include White-throated Sparrows and Juncos, both in large numbers. Great Horned and Barred owls are irregular winter visitors.
The best spot at this time of year is the extreme southwest corner of the park where the creek bends to the west bordering the Rogers complex. Mornings and evenings are best. The dead trees in this area are favoured by many species.
I observed 2 blackbirds this morning in Carleton and perhaps someone here can tell me whether they were more likely Brewer's or Rusty. The were most certainly not grackles. I will try to get a photo if I see them again.
-
I visited Carleton Park twice last week (and thank you again for the tip) and must agree: it's a lovely little spot. A small neighborhood park that feels secluded and sweet. Quite small too, so that it's very easy to walk back and forth from one end to the other...
I've yet to visit the park in the early hours of morning, but have been there on two occasions from 6-9 pm. I've seen plenty of cedar waxwings, a few woodpeckers, several cardinals and nuthatches, and quite a number of lovely robins with spotted bellies (juveniles?) but I've yet to see any Northern Flickers, and the mysterious green heron has eluded me also...
The idea of seeing a green heron in a Brampton tree is so exciting to me, but perhaps the fellow only visits in the mornings?
Anyhow, if anyone else has seen Mr. Green or any flickers, please let me know...the park is worth a visit just for the waxwings and the calm and restful feeling that will gladden your heart when you sit and watch the trees, if you ask me...
O and I almost forgot: my birdwife and I were watching the trees when all of a sudden a great blue heron flew over our heads! With our cheapo telephoto lenses we were able to get a few decent shots...
-
I have not seen the Green Heron since I made my last post. Maybe I jinxed myself. The last time I saw it was actually in the afternoon. I ride my bike through the park every evening so perhaps it has left. I hope not. The Northern Flickers do love those dead trees and you will see them there with their young. A Belted Kingfisher has also been frequenting the park but I do not see it every day. The blackbirds I saw last week were almost certainly Brewer's.
The pond on the Rogers property (bordering Carleton Park) has anywhere from 20 to 50 Cedar Waxwings flycatching every night between 8 and 9 pm. Chimney Swifts also hunt at the same time. I have also seen 2 Least Sandpipers there since the weekend. A word of warning: This is private property and if you go for a stroll you will likely have a great time, but if you start snapping photos you will probably get a visit from security asking you to leave.
-
Many thanks for the extra info...
I'll have a look again in the afternoon, and see if I see any Northern Flickers...
Great tip about the Rogers Pond, too...
-
I just returned from a short stroll through the park (noon). All the usual suspects were there (Waxwings galore) along with a solitary Eastern Kingbird happily flycatching from the aforementioned dead tree. As well, one Turkey Vulture which is a first in the park to my eyes. No Green Heron. Drat.
-
Don't despair! Maybe he'll be back again...please please keep us posted...
Did you see any flickers today?
-
Tonight 8pm there were 6 loud and raucous Great Crested Flycatchers in the park around the playground area. Did not see any flickers, but rest assured they will show in good numbers at any time. No Green Heron. Starting to think it has moved on.
Last night at 8:30 pm the usual avalanche of Cedar Waxwings, a couple of Catbirds and several high-flying Chimney Swifts.
-
Tonight 8:45pm, a large Cooper's Hawk perched and posing in the aforementioned dead tree with a frantic Robin above it. After several minutes it went on the prowl and I saw it three more times in the ensuing 15 minutes gliding low along the south fence line.
Also today, at least two Lincoln's Sparrows (the last 3 days actually). The most abundant birds in the park at the moment are Goldfinches and Cedar Waxwings. The Northern Flickers are laying low, but they will show.
Since my last post Great Crested Flycatchers have returned twice and I also observed a Broad-winged Hawk. Chimney Swifts are seen nightly. Purple Finches are showing up and are fairly tame (House Finches are a mainstay).
-
Wonderful! Thanks again for the steady updates here. I'll be sure to re-visit the park soon. It really is a lovely spot. Great news about the hawk, and I can't wait to see the flickers!!
-
Yep, tonight (Thursday)7:50pm Northern Flickers. They also returned Friday morning around 9 am. Also a Great Blue Heron perched about 50 feet up.
Just to clarify, this park is posted as Carlton Park, but I have always called it Carleton Park owing to the street that juts into it.
Here's a list of birds I have observed in the park.
Red-eyed Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Philadelphia Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Palm Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Black and White Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Swainson's Thrush
Wood Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Grey-cheeked Thrush
Veery
American Robin
Blue Jay
American Crow
Red-winged Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
European Starling
Baltimore Oriole
Orchard Oriole
Cooper's Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
American Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
Red-tailed Hawk
Turkey Vulture
Great Horned Owl
Barred Owl
Canada Goose
Mallard
Belted Kingfisher
Green Heron
Great Blue Heron
Black-crowned Night Heron
Least Sandpiper
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Downy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Cardinal
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
House Finch
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Song Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
American Tree Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Lincoln's Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
House Sparrow
Eastern Kingbird
Great-crested Flycatcher
Willow/Alder Flycatcher
Winter Wren
House Wren
Chimney Swift
Mourning Dove
Cedar Waxwing
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Brown Creeper
Herring Gull
Indigo Bunting
Scarlet Tanager
Killdeer
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
A Northern Saw-whet Owl has been seen in the park in winter by others, but I have never seen it.
-
On Saturday in the park: A male Black and White Warbler and an unidentified warbler which hovered as it gleaned leaves (pale yellow and fairly large). Also, a Northern Flicker let me watch it dig for ants on the ground for about 5 minutes at about 15 feet away.
Tonight at 8:45 pm a Black-crowned Night Heron, which is a new one to my eyes in the park. Also tonight, a Baltimore Oriole.
-
This morning at 9:30 a striking female Orchard Oriole perched on a stalk about 3 feet from the ground. She didn't linger long, but seemed unconcerned about me standing 12 feet away. This is the first Orchard Oriole I have seen in the park. I thought it was late for Orchard Orioles to be around. Plenty of "peoughing" from Northern Flickers as well.
-
This weekend in Carlton Park: Wilson's Warbler, Black and White Warbler (which I photographed), numerous other warblers I could not positively ID, I am hopeless at warblers unless they are obvious. There seems to be a bit of a warbler surge happening and mid to late afternoon have been good. The Blue Jays have been very active as well as the Catbirds. Great Crested Flycatchers and Northern Flickers have put in appearances. Also a Cooper's hawk hunting at dusk. Chimney Swifts are also reliable every night along the southern fence line (an area favoured by the Cooper's Hawk).
-
In the last week in Carlton Park: Belted Kingfisher, Catbirds, a very tame Northern Mockingbird, unidentified Vireo (probably a Warbling Vireo), Nashville Warblers (they are pretty regular) and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. The Chimney Swifts and Cedar Waxwings are noticeably thinning out.
Also this morning, a bobcat. My third bobcat in Carlton and almost a year to the day since I saw my last.
-
Saturday in the park: A Blackburnian Warbler in the morning. In the afternoon several female American Redstarts (their flashy markings in flight made them easy to spot). An inquisitive male Wilson's warbler. A Great Crested Flycatcher.
On Friday a Northern Flicker was kind enough to pose on a fence for a photo session. I also watched a Cooper's Hawk attack a flock of House Sparrows (unsuccessfully). Red-breasted Nuthatches and Blue Jay numbers have risen as they normally do at this time of year. In a couple of weeks the juncos will return to spend 6 months followed later by the White-throated Sparrows.
On Friday I also saw a light slate coloured bird that bobbed it's tail up and down constantly. It was thrush-like in appearance and behavior and somewhere between the size of a sparrow and a Hermit Thrush. The only thing that matches is an American Pipit, but there's no way I'd know for sure unless I got another look.
-
Photographed a very large Cooper's Hawk this evening in the park. Obviously a female. The Blue Jays are an excellent tip-off to finding a Cooper's Hawk. Their ruckus usually leads to one.
-
Since my last post:
American Redstart (male), several Wilson's Warblers, a Magnolia Warbler, a Turkey Vulture, a Northern Mockingbird (very tame, along the extreme southwest fence-line, particularly near dusk) and numerous Northern Flickers. I have seen other warblers and vireos I cannot identify. Blue Jay numbers are on the rise. Cooper's Hawks are always lurking.
-
In the park this weekend: Two Veery and a Swainson's Thrush (which I photographed).
-
Here's a link to a photo I took this afternoon (Monday) of a Swainson's Thrush in Carlton Park. The woods in the park are teeming with thrushes at the moment.
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... hrush1.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/10/179448/thrush1.jpg)
Also, here's a Carlton Park Cooper's Hawk I snapped in near darkness on September 5:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... 2/coop.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/179552/coop.jpg)
-
Yesterday and today Sharp-shinned Hawk. Got a real close-up look at the Sharp-shinned Hawk today (only about 10 feet away). Also, plenty of Northern Flickers and Swainson's Thrushes. The first White-throated Sparrow of the season today. The juncos can't be far behind.
-
This morning (Saturday) around 8:00: Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Magnolia Warblers (too many to count), Northern Flickers (too many to count), American Redstart, Great Crested Flycatcher (3), unidentified vireo, White-throated Sparrow.
Thursday and Friday: (female) Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Great Crested Flycatcher, White-throated Sparrow, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, countless Northern Flickers, unidentified warblers.
As a side note: On Balmoral Drive (which is a stone's throw from the park) I saw a Turkey Vulture on the road eating a dead squirrel. The busy traffic didn't bother it one bit. Needless to say the motorists and pedestrians were startled to see such a big bird close up.
This morning's unidentified vireo I saw again this evening through the binoculars. Definitely a Philadelphia Vireo. Also countless Swainson's Thrushes this evening and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
-
The only way to describe Carlton Park today would be stunning.
I got a lifer today...the Ovenbird. There were so many warblers I could not count or identify them all. American Redstarts and Magnolia Warblers were easy enough, but there were so many others. I photographed a Tennessee Warbler and a Scarlet Tanager. Northern Flickers were too numerous to count. There were two small flycatchers which I suspect were Eastern Wood Pewees, but can't be sure since I did not get a photo. Also a Winter Wren.
I managed a Scarlet Tanager photo here from today:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... anager.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/10/180927/tanager.jpg)
And a Swainson's Thrush also from today:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... hrush3.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/180911/thrush3.jpg)
-
I have been off my feet with the stomach flu since my last post and haven't been out. However, yesterday, feeling better I got out briefly.
A Sharp-shinned Hawk, a Great Blue Heron, countless Northern Flickers and a Hermit Thrush. Didn't have the legs to do much of a look around.
I photographed the Hermit Thrush here:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... hrush1.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/182175/hthrush1.jpg)
Just a note: If you visit looking for thrushes you will see a lot more of them if you venture into woods rather than sticking to the path.
-
Today in Carlton Park:
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet-3
Hermit Thrush-too numerous to count
Gray-cheeked Thrush-2
White-crowned Sparrow-too numerous to count
White-throated Sparrow-too numerous to count
Song Sparrow-too numerous to count
Slate-coloured Junco-3
Brown Creeper-6
Unidentified warbler
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker-2
Winter Wren
Here's a photo of a Carlton Park Brown Creeper from yesterday:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... eeper1.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/182842/creeper1.jpg)
And a Carlton Park White-crowned Sparrow from today:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... 6/wcs5.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/183006/wcs5.jpg)
-
This past Saturday morning in Carlton Park Ruby-crowned Kinglets and White-throated Sparrows were present in abundance. Hermit Thrushes have dwindled from well over 100 to a few individuals. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have been constant for the last couple of weeks. House and Winter Wrens were both spotted. Immature and adult White-crowned Sparrows were observed. A couple of Swamp Sparrows were nice enough to pose for photos. Slate-coloured Juncos have settled in for the winter. Golden-crowned Kinglets were seen and are usually a good bet around spruce.
A quick walk through the park yesterday afternoon revealed several Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and a House Wren. The sapsuckers are very skittish.
-
Hooray! The Fox Sparrows returned to Carlton Park this morning. Nice and plump and red.
I managed a quick photo and hope for more. Here's the link:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... /fox02.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/185459/fox02.jpg)
-
Since my last post Cooper's Hawks have been very active. I have seen them attack Robins and Sparrows. I haven't seen a successful attack. I have seen both fully mature and immature Coopers.
A Sharp-shinned Hawk on Wednesday.
Four Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (together) Wednesday.
Male and female Purple Finches.
Hermit Thrush numbers are way down, but they are still passing through the park.
Slate-coloured Juncos are increasing as they settle in for the winter.
White-crowned Sparrows continue to be observed. I haven't seen a Fox Sparrow since the weekend, but I am sure more are on the way.
White-throated Sparrows are likely the most abundant bird in the park right now.
Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets continue in good numbers.
Here's a photo of a Carlton Park White-throated Sparrow:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... /wts04.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/186307/wts04.jpg)
And a Ruby-crowned Kinglet:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... nglet1.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/183242/rckinglet1.jpg)
-
This morning:
Two unidentified warblers. I think Orange-crowned, but can't be sure.
Golden-crowned Kinglets.
At least two Gray-cheeked Thrush eating berries.
Chipping Sparrows along with the usual mob of White-throated Sparrows.
Cooper's Hawk actively hunting. Can sometimes be seen at very close range.
During the week:
Another Fox Sparrow.
Three Gray-cheeked thrush (together).
Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Purple Finches.
Copper's Hawks (tough to tell how many, but they are seen often).
Two American Kestrels. The Kestrels winter along Orenda Road between Dixie Road and West Drive. They are easily seen there, although it is a busy road. They visit the park at times, but do favour the more open Orenda Road which is only a short walk away.
-
At least seven Pine Siskins in the park this morning. The first Pine Siskins I have seen in 2 years. Here's a photo from this morning:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... skin02.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/189817/siskin02.jpg)
Quite a lot of female Purple Finches in the park, but males are scarce. A photo from yesterday:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... inch02.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/189685/pfinch02.jpg)
-
I don't know how many Cooper's Hawks are in Carlton Park, but there seems to be several. I was lucky enough to photograph a mature hawk out in the open yesterday. Moments before I took this photo I could hear them loudly calling to each other in the woods:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... coop02.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/190184/coop02.jpg)
And early this morning I encountered an immature in the woods. Got a photo, but couldn't get a clear shot through the tangle of brush. The crunching of leaves under my feet betrayed my presence and it fled before I could get better position.
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... coop03.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/190303/coop03.jpg)
I suspect the number of neighbourhood bird feeders contributes to the number of Cooper's Hawks.
-
Yesterday (Sunday) morning just after 11 am a Cooper's Hawk landed no more than 13 feet away from me in Carlton Park. I swung around and got one lucky photo before it realized I was there and fled the scene. It was after the House Finches I was photographing and luckily for the finches it missed:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... coop04.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/190330/coop04.jpg)
There are always 1 or 2 Cooper's that winter in the park, but right now there seems to be a glut of them.
-
Today, at precisely 1:28 pm, a beautiful adult Peregrine Falcon perched atop a spruce. I was not lugging my camera regretfully. I have never seen one this close up before and have not seen one in the park in many years.
On Sunday, an American Kestrel perched on a wire at West Dr. and Orenda Rd. for at least 45 minutes. This is only a few hundred meters from the park and they have been wintering in that area for some years now.
Otherwise, my walk through the park today revealed little more than the seasonal and permanent residents. The falcon was a thrill.
-
On Friday: Eight Pine Siskins. I thought they were Goldfinches and paid little attention to them until they started to chatter. They were perched about 20 feet up a tree and allowed me to stand right under them with little concern about my presence.
Also a Cooper's Hawk. I think this is likely the same large female I have been observing and photographing regularly.
I did go for a stroll on Saturday, but conditions were blustery and little was happening. White-breasted Nuthatches are returning however. They are nowhere to be found during the warm months.
Regarding the Peregrine Falcon I observed last week: There is a glass factory on Clark Blvd near highway 410 just west of the park. It has a very tall concrete tower attached to it. There was an opening in the concrete near the top of the tower. For a couple of years I observed a pair of Peregrines that used that opening to nest. The factory switched ownership and with that they refurbished the outside of the tower. The modifications closed that opening. I am sure the people there had no idea they were hosting Peregrines.
The good news is that the area has many tall apartment towers. Peregrines maintain a presence here and sightings are talked about. The habitat has to be good as there is a huge pigeon population in the area. Where they nest now is something I don't know, but I have my suspicions. I have caught fleeting glimpses of them anywhere between highway 410 and Bramalea road along Clark Blvd.
-
Things have been very quiet of late in the park. I continue to see and photograph the large female Cooper's Hawk (I am assuming it is the same one). The usual winter residents abound however. White-throated Sparrows, which wintered in the park last season, have all but left with only a couple of individuals lingering. I wonder why?
Since my last post, I have seen several American Kestrels in the park, but they do prefer the open industrial areas that surround the park. I also strongly suspect catching sight of a Merlin.
A few weeks ago I was hand-feeding the Chickadees in the park just for some fun. This provoked an attack by a Cooper's Hawk which startled me more than the Chickadees. I was stunned at the brazenness and how close it came to my face. Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches and the occasional Downy will readily eat out of your hand, but I think I won't do that any longer.
Unrelated to Carlton Park: I saw a Northern Harrier at Bramalea Road and Mayfield on Monday. I also saw one along the south fence of Pearson Airport on Thursday.
-
Early in the week a Red-tailed hawk lumbered through the park.
On Thursday a Sharp-shinned Hawk.
On Christmas Day an American Kestrel and the ever present Cooper's Hawk(s).
There are a few White-throated Sparrows that seem to have decided to stay the winter.
The usual winter residents abound in good numbers. Both nuthatches, chickadees, cardinals, downies, goldfinches, jays and juncos are all present in large numbers.
I am keeping my eyes open for owls, but no success yet.
-
Since my last post the only highlights in Carlton Park have been raptors. The usual winter residents abound.
American Kestrels have vanished from the area and I attribute this to the snowfall which likely makes hunting impossible for them.
A Northern Harrier visited the park, but just passing through I suspect.
There are obviously 1 or 2 Sharp-shinned Hawks wintering in the park as I see one a couple of times a week since my last post.
Cooper's Hawks are always present and can often be seen prowling and attacking.
A Red-tailed Hawk has been frequenting the park, but gets regularly chased off by crows. The crows don't seem to bother with the Cooper's Hawks for whatever reason.
White-throated Sparrow numbers are marginally higher than last winter.
Owls have been reported in the park after dark, but I haven't seen one this winter.
-
The Red-tailed Hawk frequenting the park this month was a daily sight until about a week ago. It was always escorted by crows which made it easy to spot.
Sharp-shinned Hawk(s) are seen once or twice a week.
Many more White-throated Sparrows have wintered in the park this winter as opposed to last winter.
Male cardinals are starting to sing and get territorial now after getting along through the winter.
Cedar Waxwings have returned since the start of the month and are a daily sighting. They can be easy to find by listening for their unmistakable zeeet.
Here's a Carlton Park Cedar Waxwing I snapped on Feb. 6.
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... 3/cedw.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/212593/cedw.jpg)
-
This evening at 6:35: A very vocal Peregrine Falcon on both Dixie Road and Lisa Street only meters from the park.
-
Today (Apr, 26): A quick visit in the park saw Black and White Warblers as well as Yellow-rumped Warblers. I am seeing more Brown Creepers in the park this spring than I ever have before.
Here's a Carlton Park Brown Creeper I photographed last week:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... eeper2.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/225493/creeper2.jpg)
-
This weekend's highlights in Carlton Park:
Friday: A Pileated Woodpecker and a Sharp-shinned Hawk, Great-crested Flycatchers heard, but not seen. Chimney Swift. Northern Flickers abound.
Saturday: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Black and White Warblers.
Sunday: A huge influx of White-crowned Sparrows, a Magnolia Warbler, at least 6 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, a Red-eyed Vireo.
Here's a (not great) photo of a Carlton Park Red-eyed Vireo:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... uvireo.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/10/233116/uvireo.jpg)
An extremely tame female Rose-breasted Grosbeak:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... rbgbf2.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/231707/rbgbf2.jpg)
And a male:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... /rbgm4.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/233141/rbgm4.jpg)
A White-crowned Sparrow in the rain:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... 4/wcs6.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/233144/wcs6.jpg)
I got a pic of the Magnolia Warbler with my point-and-shoot, but it's terrible.
-
Hi,
I live not too far from you, and regularly walk the ravine that runs north from Ching park, mostly up and down from William's Parkway. Maybe my birding has just improved, but this year I have seen a greater variety than ever before, including:
Warblers:
Yellow
Black and White
Yellow-rumped
Palm
Magnolia
Black faced Blue
Several Brown Creepers are about. I am pretty sure I saw an American Redstart or two as well. The usual sparrows (possibly a Lincoln for variety).
Keep posting from Carlton Park! it certainly encourages me to get out and about, and maybe others too.
-
Thanks BillSimpson.
I have stumbled across an American Kestrel nest a few minutes walk outside the park. The parents are good providers. They shuttle mice back to the nest constantly. You can hear the young ones. They can be seen at very close range going about their business. They have picked a busy spot for a nest with constant human activity.
My question is: Should I share this location or just keep it to myself?
Otherwise, since my last post, Blackburnian and Chestnut-sided Warblers yesterday. Black and white Warblers continue and are usually reliable around trees with more furrowed bark. Both a male and female Ruby-throated Hummingbird also.
-
I have no strong view about revealing the location of the Kestrel nest. I got into some trouble when I revealed where I saw a Long Eared Owl, so be prepared for some flak if you do decide to. If it is in a currently public place, then I see no harm, and these birds are very far from "threatened".
Still lots to see in my local ravine: a short walk yesterday evening and I quickly saw a couple of Magnolia warblers, a Yellow and a female American Redstart. I am guessing that I am seeing the same gang every evening and I am becoming curious as to how long they will stay before moving north, or perhaps they will stay and nest?
-
I did not want to make this post until I was absolutely certain. I am certain now.
Yesterday (Saturday) at about 1 pm in the afternoon a Golden Eagle soared on a thermal above Carlton Park. Remarkably, at it's high altitude it was tagged by a crow. I got the binoculars on it for a few minutes and it was without doubt a Golden Eagle.
-
This Canada Day weekend in Carlton Park I saw my first ever Yellow-billed Cuckoo. I heard one last summer on many days, but never saw it. I caught a fleeting glimpse of a cuckoo last summer as well, but could not make an ID. On Sunday I heard one and a moment later there it was posing. I was not lugging the camera regretfully. It hung around for a couple of minutes and then was gone deeper into the woods.
Otherwise, the usual summer residents such as waxwings and chimney swifts abound in good numbers.
-
A very good morning today in Carlton Park.
Nashville and Yellow Warblers. Two male Baltimore Orioles. Several flycatchers which I will call Alder due to their sharp call notes (but I could be wrong). A Northern Waterthrush, which is a lifer for me. This waterthrush has been walking into my garden from Carlton Park a few times in the last two weeks. Always very early in the morning. I managed a (poor) photo at the bottom of my garden where it meets Carlton Park.
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... wathr1.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/10/251873/wathr1.jpg)
Otherwise, the usual suspects are all there in good numbers. The warbler variety should really start to ramp up for the next month.
-
Several walks through the park this week have produced some notables:
Northern Waterthrush.
Magnolia Warblers.
Unidentified Warblers.
Black and White Warbler (female).
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (two females).
Great-crested Flycatcher.
Willow/Alder Flycatchers.
Yellow-throated Vireos 2 (a lifer).
Cooper's Hawk (two attacks on House Sparrows, one successful and one not).
Sharp-shinned Hawk (hunting in plain view).
Belted Kingfisher
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (female).
Baltimore Orioles.
Killdeers.
Between 7 and 8 a.m. have been best.
-
Yesterday (Friday) afternoon around 5:30:
Wilson's Warbler
Magnolia Warblers
Black and White Warblers
Northern Waterthrush
Great Crested Flycatchers
Alder or Willow Flycatchers
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Northern Flickers
This morning (Saturday):
An invasion of American Redstarts
Northern Waterthrush
Magnolia Warblers
On Monday (Aug 22) a Northern Waterthrush wandered into my garden from the park for a nice closeup with my point-and-shoot:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... wathr3.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/10/253478/wathr3.jpg)
I also saw the first Swainson's Thrush of the season Monday.
-
Your second looks more like a red-tailed, note the difference in their chest patterns
-
Monday and Tuesday in the park:
Blackburnian, Magnolia, Wilson's, Black and White and unidentified Warblers.
Countless American Redstarts.
Northern Waterthrush.
Unidentified Flycatchers.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
2 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
Great Blue Heron.
2 unidentified raptors. I saw them moving around and heard them, but didn't recognize their chatter.
Early morning is good, but bursts of activity can come at any time.
-
This morning:
A Broad-winged Hawk perched that obviously spent the night in the park. It laboured to find a thermal as it eventually soared out of the park.
A Cooper's Hawk.
A Swainson's Thrush.
And this leucistic robin this afternoon. The first leucistic bird I have ever seen:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... urob01.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/258559/leurob01.jpg)
-
Today in the park:
Black-throated Blue Warblers-2 (Lifers)
Ovenbird
American Redstart
Black and White Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Several unidentified warblers.
Belted Kingfisher
Willow/Alder Flycatcher
Blue Jays 100+
Northern Flickers
-
This morning (Friday):
Countless Gray-cheeked Thrush. I saw 12, but heard many more as they were all in full voice.
3 Swainson's Thrush
2 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.
Countless Northern Flickers.
A few Catbirds still lingering.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
3 Sharp-shinned Hawks calling to each other.
Here's a photo of one of the many Gray-cheeked Thrush I saw this morning:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... kthr01.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/1410/261047/grckthr01.jpg)
Here's a photo of a Sharp-shinned hawk this morning:
http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/s ... pie01a.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/forums/forums/storage/10/261065/sharpie01a.jpg)
-
I have not been out in the park as much the last couple of months due to construction. A bridge was replaced and the pathway was resurfaced.
However, the highlight of the late migration was an Eastern Towhee. A lifer for me. I only saw it one evening at dusk and managed to reel off about 6 blurry photos. I kept a watch out for it, but it was never seen by me again.
Both male and female Cooper's Hawks are a frequent sight.
All the usual winter residents are settling in now. A pair of Hairys were here for about 3 weeks, but seem to have left.
American Kestrels are seen in the open industrial areas surrounding the park as they usually are every winter.
This morning I snapped an American Tree Sparrow. They are unusual winter visitors here. Here's the pic:
http://www.whatbird.com/Forums/forums/s ... eesp01.jpg (http://www.whatbird.com/Forums/forums/storage/1410/274437/treesp01.jpg)