Downsview April 6, 2014

[Rotarran]

Had a decent outing today at Downsview.  Some regulars have returned including the Song Sparrow and Brown Headed Cowbirds.  Saw a couple of Turkey Vultures circling the park as well.  The two resident Mockingbirds were quite active today singing and at times chasing some Robins.  The pond was still a bit frozen over but should be completely thawed out this week.  Also saw an interesting flock of birds that I was not 100% confident enough to ID.  Maybe some of you can head out in the next few days and check....I think they may have been American Pipits.  Some have already been reported in Ontario so it's a possibility.  The pics I tried to take were in-flight shots and distant and were inconclusive.  Could just as easily have been female Cowbirds.  But you never know.  They flew around (but didn't land) the same area where I saw Pipits last year in October and that's in the south end of the park where there's some tilled land for some kind of crops.

Human activity continues to be a concern.  There's more and more of these airplane flyers at the park and I can't help but think that at the very least they're a nuisance to the birds, especially the circling hawks looking for a meal.  Also, there were a couple of yahoos with parachutes at the top of a hill.  I'm not sure for what purpose, as they never actually glided or flew anywhere.  And of course the constant off leash dogs that often run after the wildlife such as waterfowl and Killdeer.  Plus the construction that will soon commence to build what will surely be hideously overpriced townhouses in the middle of the park.  It's just too bad, Downsview has potential.

[Dinusaur]

I dropped by Downsview Park around 3:30 and immediately saw a Turkey Vulture flying overhead; I managed to get a couple of shots before it disappeared beyond Keele. The place is filled with Killdeer calls; also saw a few horned larks, song sparrows, the cute mocking bird pair; however, didn't see any American Pipits. Will try again later; probably in one of the week days when human activities are minimal. I only saw two RTHs this time; noisy model airplanes probably drove them away. I see park rangers drive by quite frequently; they should enforce dogs on leash policy.

[Napper]

Hey

I spotted a small bird take to the ground today during lunch time.

I walked over and found a Golden Crowned Kinglet resting on some gravel.

It looked slightly stunned but alert so I left it alone. I think it may have run into a

group of windows on the second floor at the North end of the factory.

napper  :|