Fun day at Downsview

[Rotarran]

Well after a bit of a hiatus, I've decided to hit Downsview Park again and see what's going on.  It did not disappoint today with some spectacular birds and action.  

I saw a beautiful Northern Harrier circling much of the park the entire time I was there.  This must have been the most beautiful one I've ever seen.  Gorgeous red-brown body with beautiful black and white wing-tips.  I've attached a picture but it doesn't do the bird justice.


One of the local Kestrels had a problem with the Harrier and harassed her (I believe the brown ones are female) on occasion.  But not for too long...and I found out why a bit later.  It turns out that probably the same Kestrel found something even more interesting ..a Merlin.  I first noticed these two little Falcons going at each other from a distance and couldn't quite figure out what was going on at first.  But the action was wild...crazy aerial pirouettes, sudden dives and just general bonkers flying resulted in one stunned birder and unfortunately only some crappy pics.

Sorry this is the best pic I managed before the disappeared into the distance.  The Kestrel is above and Merlin below:


But if you ever get to see a Kestrel and a Merlin vying for aerial superiority, it's phenomenal.  Both birds are such good flyers.  Ann Brokelman took some great pics of a similar encounter at Rosetta McClain Gardens.  Here is a link to her blog and photographs: http://naturephotosbyann.blogspot.ca/20 ... st-16.html

Anyway some other birds of note was a Hummingbird that buzzed by along the water's edge at the big pond and a couple of Great Blue Herons.  Saw a few Palm - wagtail - Warblers along the garden path.  Overall a great hour and a half at a nice Toronto park.

[Flyingbass]

That sounds like a great day!  I saw a kestrel and a larger falcon chasing each other the other day.   It was a quick fly by so I didn't feel confident making an ID but from your account it sounds like I saw the Merlin as well.  Today when I was out with a group we saw 2 flickers and a flock of Blue Jays coming through as well as the usual RTH and Kestrel action, a great time of year!

[Napper]

Funny you should post this info about a falcons chasing each other at Downsview.

late last week Just before 7:00 am Thursday I watched two falcon like birds chasing each other near the tracks along the edge of the hangers.

Unfortunately they made no sounds but appeared larger than Kestrels or Merlin's. The sun was almost up and I was looking East.

Napper  :?

p.s  I haven't spotted the Northern Harrier yet will keep eyes open



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[paul_reeves]

Nice story and amazing experience. I love watching bird behaviour as much as I enjoy photographing them.

[Dinusaur]

Nice story and amazing experience. I love watching bird behaviour as much as I enjoy photographing them.

Yes indeed. I went there this evening and most likely saw the same two hawks going after each other on the south eastern part of the park. I also found a least sandpiper and a solitary by the northern edge of the big pond. No trace of the Golden Plover.

[thouc]

The bright red-brown Northern Harriers are juvenile birds. Adult females have brown streaking on a whitish background below.

[Flyingbass]

The immature Harrier was back today!  Flew over today's group while we were looking at a large flock of bluejays.