Enjoyed a peaceful visit to Downsview yesterday. Busy parents and new babies everywhere. It's lovely to see the little fluffy Killdeer babies learning to forage in the mud. Although Killdeer seemed to dominate, there were other new and expectant parents including Savannah Sparrows, Mockingbirds, Spotted Sandpipers, Baltimore Orioles and Willow Flycatchers. I was unable to locate the Horned Larked previously reported, but I did enjoy an unexpected Bobolink. I heard it singing just before it flew right over my head to perch in a tree near the south/west corner of the park (west of the big hill). It then flew off to the construction area in the corner where I was unable to follow. I wonder if he's staying for the summer and if he has a mate?? I was also lucky enough to find two Eastern Meadowlarks at the north end of the airfield. They didn't come close to the fence line, but they were occasionally singing their beautiful mournful song and gave some good, if distant views. This field can be viewed from a parking lot accessed from Carl Hall Road, just before it makes a sharp left turn to the north. Only 29 species for the day, but I find it a real treat to observe all these birds fulfilling the objective of their long migrations.
One sour note was the discovery that the pond below the little bridge is being drained and bulldozed! The colourful nest boxes have disappeared and so have the Tree Swallows. :cry:
-kris
p.s. Remember to stay on the paths as there are several species nesting on the ground in the grassy fields.
p.p.s. Quite a few nice butterflies in the area too, though I'm sorry I'm terrible at trying to identify them!
