High Park 01/04

[GBLangley]

Hi Everone

As I explained in my post on the Wet woods I was only in Toronto for a day and I found, somewhat to my surprise that I haven't got Red-bellied Woodpecker on my Canada list. I'm sure I've seen one but I don't have a record of it so I went to High Park to rectify that.

I found some suitable habitat next to the dog pound and allotments and almost immediately found a pair to fill an embarrassing hole in my list.

In the open woodland that is designated a "dogs on leash area" just uphill from the allotments I found two Evening Grosbeaks. One was a female type, the second seemed much golder but I had scant time to see them properly as several dog walkers appeared to be illiterate and allowed their animals to run therough the area scaring everything off. Beautiful birds I would have loved to see more clearly!

Later in the afternoon I found another Red-bellied in the ravine that leads south to the main lake along with two Downys.
 
I'm back in Toronto in May and I'll submit the next report(s) on time.

Have a great migration

Graham

[Howieh]

Hi Graham and welcome to Toronto, the off-leash dog capital of the world. I go into the woods, with a mini tripod, to shoot spring wildflowers from ground level and I've had my face licked a few times! and two of my favorite Toronto parks (Col Sam Smith and Earl Bales) have large enclosed off leash areas but some dog owners just don't give a ... about anyone else. Please note that I said some because many people do leash their dogs where required to do so.

[GBLangley]

Thanks Andy.

At least the Toronto dogs are benign.

Try birding in India or near a Chinese farm!

Regards

Graham