Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Toronto Reports => Topic started by: Brian Bailey on November 06, 2011, 06:50:02 PM

Title: Coots at Sam Smith Park
Post by: Brian Bailey on November 06, 2011, 06:50:02 PM

It was pretty quiet when I visited Colonel Sam Smith Park:  very few passerines and a good assortment of the typical waterfowl.  The surprise was 18 American Coots:  16 of them in front of the filtration plant.  There was a large flock of scaup (appeared to be mostly or all Greater) with some Redheads mixed in.  I found one Horned Grebe in front of the filtration plant.  In the pond, there were 3 Shovelers and 3 Green-winged Teal.  There were Red-necked Grebes scattered all around the park.

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Title: Re: Coots at Sam Smith Park
Post by: Rob'in'To on November 06, 2011, 09:17:42 PM

Would the Horned Grebe be in non-breeding right now?  I saw about 15 yesterday that I thought were H.G.'s in a black/white color scheme.  I should get one of my guides but it's Sunday night and I'm a tad lethargic.   :|

Title: Re: Coots at Sam Smith Park
Post by: Brian Bailey on November 08, 2011, 10:32:24 PM

Both grebe species are in winter plumage now. I could try to describe the differences, but it's easier just to look at Denis's post. (http://outdoorontario.net/birds/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=9146)

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Title: Re: Coots at Sam Smith Park
Post by: jackbreakfast on November 09, 2011, 09:37:19 AM

Not throwing stones at anyone, but that post belongs to man Phiddy.

Title: Re: Coots at Sam Smith Park
Post by: Brian Bailey on November 10, 2011, 01:32:06 PM

Quote from: "jackbreakfast"

Not throwing stones at anyone, but that post belongs to man Phiddy.

OOPS!  :oops: I could try to blame it on the re-formatted board, but really, I just wasn't paying attention.  My appologies to Phiddy.  

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Title: Re: Coots at Sam Smith Park
Post by: Rob'in'To on November 14, 2011, 03:04:06 PM

Definitely Horned Grebes I saw.  Thanks Brian and Phiddy!