Downsview Bird ID

[Dinusaur]

I was there this afternoon and looking for snow buntings; however, couldn't find any. Instead found a pair of Raven (or Crow) hovering over a hill when a juvenile red-tailed hawk gave them a chase. Subsequently found one sitting on the top of a dirt hill, nibbling on a vole. It is as big, if not slightly bigger, than the hawk. Is it a Raven? The second one has a very bold eye-ring. Is it a Vesper Sparrow? Thanks in advance.

1-3: Crow or Raven?




4-5: Vesper Sparrow?

[thouc]

Yes, Raven and Vesper Sparrow. Nice finds!

[Rotarran]

Awesome finds!  Especially the Vesper.  I think Ruth Danella found one at around the same time last year and on that same wood chip hill.  I've been looking for the Vesper as well...maybe it's been there all year?  Or just passing through.  Either way I'll take another look.  

And wow that first pic is awesome.  The black of the Raven is almost like the Hawk's shadow alter ego or something.  Very cool pic.

[gary yankech]

Nice pics
Where is this wood chip pile?

[Dinusaur]

Where is this wood chip pile?

It's in the middle of two hills - east of the forested area. The bird flew in from the hill on the west. I am sure he/she is there around that are. A few days back I saw a large group of Fox Sparrow on the hill west of the pile.