Rosetta McClain Gardens, Scarborough - March 28th

[Bluffs Birder]

It was a very good, but cold, morning walk at the park today.  I saw 29 species in 2.5 hours.

Some of the highlights were:

Golden-crowned Kinglets
Brown Creepers
Northern Flickers
Pileated Woodpecker (1-male)
Hairy Woodpecker (1-female)
Eastern Towhee (1-male) (single note calls)



I also met a gentleman this morning who informed me that he had 2 large owls in his yard the other day that his neighbour ID'd as Long-eareds...his property is very close to the park just along the Bluffs.  He explained to me what the birds looked like and they definitely sounded like they very well could've been LEOWs.....and if they weren't, then I'd say that they were more than likely Great Horned Owls which a number of residents and a few birders have sporadically seen over the past few months.  I've not had the pleasure as yet.

Walter

[Murray]

Nice work Walter, really nice to see the Towhee. One if my faves.
Was the P.W thru the park in a flash or did it hang out for a bit?
The warm south winds coming up this week should bring in a few new surprises!!
Can't wait!

[Bluffs Birder]

Hey Murray,

The Pileated was actually outside the park towards the west just beyond the little parkette that's behind the Arts Council.  The pecking and calling was so loud that it could easily be heard at Rosetta.  It was there for at least 20 minutes before it flew off to the northwest.  It was 2 or 3 backyards over from the parkette when I was looking for it.  As I was standing talking to a few dog walkers, the bird flew in to the parkette, called once (as to say "Here I am!") and then tookoff.  Not sure if it ever came back or not.  Several local folks have told me lately that they've either seen or heard it in that area over the past month or so.  Might be worth a look.

Walter

[BIGFRANK]

Lately with beautiful weather Walter and I have been at Rosetta often. We have had the Eastern Towhee for a few days,today it was 3 Fox Sparrows and several Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers that made things interesting. The first Cormorants of the season flew past and 4 Great Blue Herons were seen flying over. A big female Kestrel made a few passes of the park and a local Coopers Hawk flew by too. If dropping by,realize he and I are often there for many hours. It takes time and patience to see things...knowing the most popular spots helps too. We bumped into many friends today and saw several birders we hadnt met previously. With spring on its way I look forward to seeing folks at the park. Another hint to newish birders is that the earlier you get to the park the better the birding..coming at lunch time you dont see much. This is the case often even once the real busy time starts in late April and May.