Ashbridge's Bay, Woodbine Park Activity

[norman]

First kingfisher (male) Sun 15th quietly "rattling" and looking comfortable on boat dock late evening; busy creeper down north/south fence line, but got there a bit late ... long-tailed ducks scarce.

Four flickers SW corner Woodbine Park (Three in tree, one on ground. Ants looking nervous.) Mon 16th in a.m.

So far in park: cormorants regular in large pond, pr. gads as well; song sparrows, red-wingeds starting to slug it out in Phragmites and remaining Typha, robins (fat ones after last week's rains brought up unfortunate annelids) everywhere ... but best attraction is first mocker ("Fast Eddie") north side of (closed still) washroom building. Bang-on robin impression (full song with calls) ... red-winged flew by doing "konk-la-ree," which was immediately repeated by mocker, who tossed in a few peevish "tee-err" calls before mewing for awhile, followed by short car alarm, then back to robin song/calls, more car alarm bits, then, taking a break, perhaps, sang mockingbird phrases ("doodle-doodle-doodle-doodle-doodle" seems to be signature tune). Very tame, seems unable to stop vocalizing for more than a few seconds. My aunt stopped him in his tracks by doing a series of chickadee two-noter spring songs -- he looked interested, so I wouldn't be surprised if he throws it back at her soon. She's feeling a lot better, thanks, for those of you who e-mailed ... the pink housecoat and the bunny slippers are a bit startling at first, but feel free to approach her for information. Second NOMO appeared (fly-by) Thurs 19th, also goldfinches (5) singing at SW corner.

Big park -- no washroom access yet, so go easy on the coffee, folks. Parking available across street (Boardwalk Cafe) on south side of Lakeshore East and Coxwell. Gardeners in on weekdays helpful re locating stuff. Parks Department are replacing destroyed info board at washroom building and are amenable to bird postings -- I'll keep you updated.