Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Toronto Reports => Topic started by: BC on May 21, 2011, 05:36:30 PM

Title: Least Bittern - Colonel Sam Smith Park
Post by: BC on May 21, 2011, 05:36:30 PM

I found the Least Bittern at 3:30 pm in the area described by Bob Cumming in an Ontbirds post from this morning. I inadvertently flushed it as I walked the path along the inner boat harbour. It flew 100 metres or so and landed in reedy cover on the water's edge. I approached very slowly and stayed well back and was rewarded with superb views.

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Post by: Brian Bailey on May 23, 2011, 11:17:32 AM

The Least Bittern was still there this morning, but generally very difficult to see.  There has also been a Common Moorhen hanging around the same area.

BB

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Post by: dbellilo on May 24, 2011, 06:01:49 PM

I saw the moorhen easily today, but the bittern was nowhere to be found. By me, anyhow...
Perhaps some others had better luck. As for me, I was at the park from 8 until 1.

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Post by: Brian Bailey on May 24, 2011, 09:58:59 PM

I tried for the Least Bittern at dusk this evening hoping that if it was still there it might be more active at that time.  No luck.  :(  

The Moorhen was still there.  The Red-necked Grebes appear to be making some bad nesting choices:  spots that will be high & dry in a few weeks when the lake level drops.

BB

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Post by: dbellilo on May 24, 2011, 10:49:27 PM

Bird brains! They just don't know any better...