first birds of 2015

[gary yankech]

Following upon Luc Fazio post on ONT birds a few days ago , my friend Tan  and I visited the same locations Luc did. The highlights were the Evening Grosbeak and the Harlequin Duck, lifers for me.  Thanks Luc for the posting!

High Park

There were a few Evening Grosbeaks around plus several large Hairy woodpeckers.

Evening Grosbeak by Gary Yankech, on Flickr

Evening Grosbeak by Gary Yankech, on Flickr

Evening Grosbeak by Gary Yankech, on Flickr

Hairy Woodpecker by Gary Yankech, on Flickr

Sunnyside Beach

Pretty sure this is the 1st winter Great Black-backed Gull Luc spotted a few days ago.

Great Black-backed Gull by Gary Yankech, on Flickr

Humber Bay East

No Ruddys, but a cool looking Mallard X American Black duck

Hybrid Mallard X American Black Duck by Gary Yankech, on Flickr

Bufflehead by Gary Yankech, on Flickr

...and a few junvenile Mute Swans

junvenile Mute Swans by Gary Yankech, on Flickr

Sandy Beach Road Parkette

a tiny Lakeside parkette....we nearly left but, luckily I spotted the Harlequin Duck! It eventually came in closer for a few decent shots.

Harlequin Duck by Gary Yankech, on Flickr

Harlequin Duck by Gary Yankech, on Flickr

Not bad way to start the new year! Happy birding to everyone.

[bernie2112]

Nice shots! I have tried twice to see the Harlequins - but no luck. The Evening Grosbeaks are great - much better here than in Algonquin!

Happy New Year.

Cheers,

Bernie

[gary yankech]

Nice shots! I have tried twice to see the Harlequins - but no luck. The Evening Grosbeaks are great - much better here than in Algonquin!

Happy New Year.

Cheers,

Bernie

Thanks Bernie happy new year too. I keep wanting to get up to Algonquin in the winter but, luckily I did not have to drive far to see Evening Grosbeaks. Yes....the Harlequin, I was just about to leave when, I spotted it quite far out, something about one of them was not quite right. We waited until the group of buffleheads, long-tails, and the Harlequin move in closer to shore to grab  a few shots (more like a few hundred!). It was a great outing!

[paul_reeves]

Nice series Gary.

[gary yankech]

Nice series Gary.

Thanks Paul!