Enjoyed a great visit to the "Bird Sanctuary" in High Park today. Following an ebird report from Jeanne Martin of 3 males seen there on Saturday, I crossed my fingers that they might still be in the area. When I arrived today I could hear them singing before I even entered the sanctuary, and was thrilled to discover not just 3, but 5 beautiful males actively feeding. Strangely I could not find any females with them, but there were several other species including a lovely Red-bellied Woodpecker, lots of House Finch (sorry no Purples!), several Hairies & Downies, both Nuthatches, Creepers, Juncos, Goldfinch, and one White-throated Sparrow. The Grosbeak were busy at the feeders when I arrived at 9:15, and by 10 they had mostly settled in the tops of the spruce trees, and by 11:15 they had disappeared. I'm guessing that the best time to see them at the feeders is between 8-9:30, before they've completely gorged themselves. Maybe they return later in the afternoon when they get hungry again, who knows! A quick shout-out to Ed who provided good company and who probably got some lovely photos! Keep an eye on Facebook for his pics, and check our photo forum for my own mediocre ones.
If you are unfamiliar with the "Bird Sanctuary", it is a small grotto found north/east of the dog park, west of Spring Road, and east of the swimming pool. It can be accessed from several different trails, but probably easiest (and shortest) to take the path that begins directly across from the ice rink & swimming pool. Follow it down the hill and look for a small trail on the right, where you should quickly be able to see the feeders hanging in the trees. If you reach the large row of spruce or the fence you've gone too far. The sanctuary was started by a gentleman named Ben Holloway, who sadly passed away this fall. The feeders continue to be maintained by his friends and family. Here's a link to a brief article:
http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/4841999-high-park-s-bird-man-dies-after-short-illness/Good Birding!
Kris
