winter wren

[Pat Hodgson]

Several times over the last 2-3 weeks I have heard (and once seen) a winter wren in the Vale of Avoca.  At first I thought maybe it was a lingering migrant, but as it was still there and singing this morning, I think it is staying on as a breeder.  I have no idea if more than one bird is present.  The exact location is across the creek from the bottom of the stairs that descend from Heath Street East just 3 blocks east of Yonge.  There is a big patch of Japanese knotweed there, so the bird is not very easy to see.

[BC]

Isn't that the Balfour ravine that flows out from Mount Pleasant Cemetery? It sounds like almost the exact spot I had a Winter Wren for my winter list two years in a row. This past winter I couldn't find one although I tried a few times.

[Pat Hodgson]

right, same general area

[Pat Hodgson]

It looks like they did breed here because today I saw at least 4 (maybe 5) birds at the same time.  The young are basically levitating brown ping pong balls.

[paul_reeves]

Thanks for the report.

I went out today to see if I could photograph them. I saw one at the base of the stairs leading up to the Mount Pleasant side of Heath Street but didn't get a shot. I will try again.

Paul

[Pat Hodgson]

They are moving around a bit more, try also the path southbound towards the bridge under St. Clair.

[paul_reeves]

East side of the creek?

Thanks.

[Pat Hodgson]

They could be on either side.  I saw them on the west side along the larger section of boardwalk.

[GStuart]

Thanks, Pat.  While we didn't see a family, we did hear a singing male for the Toronto Summer Bird Count.