Outdoor Ontario
Request for Information => Birding Areas => Topic started by: Andreas Jonsson on May 01, 2006, 06:36:46 PM
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Parks on the lakeshore tend to attract more migrators than inland parks. So, I'm looking at the Toronto city map. There is Samuel Smith Park, Humber Bay Park, Toronto Island, Leslie spit, Ashbridges Park.
How about Ontario Place? I seldom here anything reported from there. I've never been there myself and I presume there is a reason for it? No good bird habitats? Anybody tried birding there?
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There is minimal habitat there, as it is rather densely developed as a marina and amusement park. This is the habitat of the french-fry eating gull and the don't-mind-swimming-through-garbage mallard. There is a small stagnant bit of water right behind the concert amphitheatre, I have seen black-crowned night herons hanging out there. Also, there is a steep admission charge to get in.
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Adjacent breakwalls and bays may have waterfowl (ducks etc.)/ gulls in fall/wn/early spr., but nothing that wouldn't be better covered elsewhere.
If looking to explore other areas I might suggest river and creek valleys. Downtown areas to consider might be Rosedale Valley Road, cemeteries, Don R. Valley (Brick Works). There are nooks and crannies all over the city that if nothing else are fun to explore. Even small ravines and city parks can hold surprises. I used to live in Swansea (W of High Pk.) and 'crawled various ravines, cul-de-sacs and back alleys that held many surprises and a number of 'lifers'. Though speaking of a lack of habitat...I did a Christmas Bird Count a few years ago and part of the area being covered included downtown fiancial district. Why bother? WE actually found Juncoes, W.Th. & Wh. Cr. Sparrows in ornamental trees tucked into an alcove around King & Bay. Corporate raiders in disguise? Not to mention a fly over by a resident Peregrine. Hense my motto; Never leave your Bins at home.