Searching for bobolinks and meadowlarks in the GTA..

[Tobias Timm]

Hello,

I have been aiming to see some bobolinks and meadowlarks - they are on my list of species I would like to see this year. Does anyone know of a place to find these species in the GTA? I am wondering if anyone knows of any secret spots where they are large empty fields...I live in North York and it is hard to imagine such places existing in the GTA..

Thanks!

[Reuven_M]

Bronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville has lots. Both used to be found at Springbank Park in Mississauga, but have been declining, and I think there's no Meadowlarks and very few Bobolink now.

[Tobias Timm]

Great - thanks for the reply. I will check it out!

[Rotarran]

I have seen both species at Downsview Park and also at the Tommy Thompson Park Wet Woods...but you gotta time it right.  I think the timing is right for Meadowlarks especially the Wet Woods.  I believe Bobolinks a bit later.  

If all else fails, you can always go to the Carden Alvar which has plenty of both species...but it is a bit of a drive and not really considered part of the GTA.  On the plus side, however, the Carden Alvar has lots of other interesting and rare species so it should be on the yearly to do list regardless.

[Tobias Timm]

Thanks,

I'm always surprised people see so many species at Downsview - I have driven past there and it never struck me as an inviting place to go birding...But I will give it another chance now.

[Rotarran]

Thanks,

I'm always surprised people see so many species at Downsview - I have driven past there and it never struck me as an inviting place to go birding...But I will give it another chance now.

Well I do bird Downsview a lot and I take my time and rarely go in with big expectations, and yet quite often I get surprised.

But the TTWW is statically probably a safer bet. Up to you and don't forget to have fun.

[thouc]

Forks of the Credit Provincial Park in Caledon is a safe bet for both species during the breeding season. Not quite GTA, but closer than Carden. Clay-coloured and Grasshopper Sparrows breed there too.

/Thomas

[Kris Ito]

In previous years during May & June there have been Meadowlarks nesting in the grassy field at the end of the Downsview Airport runway. However when I was there this winter it looked like they may have expanded the length of the runway, so I'm not sure if the Meadowlarks will return. If they are there, they will sometimes come and perch on the fence line. A good location for Bobolinks is the west end of the Toronto Islands in early May; specifically in the grassy fields near the airport fence. Although both species are occasionally reported at the Leslie Spit, it's not really a reliable location for them - they seem to pass through very quickly.

Best of luck with these wonderful birds!  - Kris

[bosh]

Hanlon business park grasslands near Guelph is a good spot, at least in May & June.  Drive to the end of Laird Road southwest of Highway 6.  There is a small network of trails through the grasslands and around a small pond.  Good for Grasshopper Sparrows too.