I spent the entire day at Rosetta McClain Gardens and it was a worthwhile stay! I saw my first Canada Warbler of the spring,first Common Yellow-throat of spring,first Spotted Sandpiper of spring,and 50 other species,including Bay-breasted/Yellow/Yellow-rumped/Magnolia/Blackburnian/Nashville/Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green Warblers. Red-eyed Vireo and Blue-headed Vireo were seen,as well as Bank and Barn Swallows. 2 Great Blue Herons flew by and a single Black-crowned Night Heron. On the lake were Red-breasted Mergansers,a lone Common Goldeneye and 2 Common Loons. Both Common and Caspian Terns flew by skimming the lake. A Peregrine Falcon circled briefly,buzzing pigeons which had flown frantically from a nearby apartment. Several Turkey Vultures were seen gliding along the bluffs.
BIRD #54 stopped the show though! I heard an alarm calling Jay,and went to check it out. At first glance just a Jay squawking to hear itself,then my angle changed as I continued walking and I saw a wee Owl in the tree. It was an Eastern Screech Owl! Its only the 2nd time I have seen one in my life and the best views ever! Thrilled I watched it for several hours. It didnt do much aside from scratch and shift positions a few times,but did seem alert when a nearby Crow was calling. What a thrill!
Rosetta McClain Gardens is at Kingston Rd and Glen Everest Rd in Scarborough,one stoplight east of Kingston Rd and Birchmount Rd.
