Osprey Earl Bales Park August 11

[Leslie Kinrys]

We visited Earl Bales today. We walked down to the stormwater treatment ponds. The sighting of the day was an Osprey, hunting at the ponds. There were nine Double-crested Cormorants there, too. We had a Spotted Sandpiper, which was the lone shorebird. Like everywhere else, the water is high in the ponds.

We also saw a Turkey Vulture and a Red-tailed Hawk, which are local birds. Other interesting sightings included one Rose-breasted Grosbeak, one Baltimore Oriole, Red-eyed Vireo, and an Eastern Kingbird.

Earl Bales is located at Sheppard and Bathurst. There is parking at the bottom of Don River Drive. Walk one kilometre south from the parking lot to get to the ponds.

[Howieh]

Hi Leslie. What time did you walk? I was at the pond today from about 1 to 2pm. I didn't see any raptors but there were a few cedar waxwings and robins near the parking lot. Weather permitting I'll probably be there again on Thursday while Diana is busy at the main clubhouse. Where did you see the oriole and the grosbeak?

[Leslie Kinrys]

Hi Howie,
We were there at 11:15 am. I have a feeling that the Osprey is also visiting the dam at Finch and Dufferin. The oriole and grosbeak where with a lot of other birds that were flying back and forth over the paved path. We saw them in the bushes, which are near the base of the ski hill. Say hi to Diana for me.

[Howieh]

Thanks, will do and say hello to Mike. Come to think of it I did hear what was probably the grosbeak near the ski hill but what ever it was stayed well hidden. I have some shopping to do (big anniversary coming up!) but I may try Ross Lord or Downsview on Thursday.