Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Toronto Reports => Topic started by: Rob'in'To on February 11, 2011, 05:38:35 PM

Title: White-winged Scoters @ Sam Smith
Post by: Rob'in'To on February 11, 2011, 05:38:35 PM

I was seeking out the Shrike once again at Sam Smith, and once again, having no luck.  So I took a bit of time in with the water fowl and noticed some different looking ones...  two black with a white wing bar and white under the eyes along with two other brownish ones (the females).

I took a few pics, bad shots, due to distance, but with binoculars and still a decent memory...  I'd say definitely White-winged Scoters (two pairs).

It's a first for me to see these.  So I am happy.  Not sure how they rate on the sightings list for others.

(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/lilevl13/sc1.jpg)

(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/lilevl13/sc3.jpg)

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Post by: feathered on February 11, 2011, 06:09:46 PM

Darn, I missed these guys! It was sure quiet out there today.

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Post by: Reuven_M on February 11, 2011, 07:07:23 PM

They can be very abundunt towards hamilton and the south shore of lake Ontario, but as far as I know not that common in the TO area in winter. Once spring comes they can be pretty common at times. Nice sighting.

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Post by: Rob'in'To on February 11, 2011, 07:19:56 PM

I saw nothing other than water fowl today.  Which I don't mind though because this is the time of year to see them all.  The Long-tail males were wooing the girls out on the waters and it was very similar to what a bunch of us saw with the Golden Eyes last Saturday at Humber East.  The Red-breasted Merganser males are so cool looking with their funky hair-doos.

I want Angie to see a Hooded Merganser somewhere this winter.  I saw 2 pairs back in November at HBE but would like to see some more as well.  Another funky looking creature.

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Post by: Reuven_M on February 11, 2011, 08:34:59 PM

I have found marie curtis park can be very good for great looks at hoodies in March, but its hit and miss. Humber bay is more reliable I think, but they are usually further away.