Northern Harrier & Am. Kestrels at Downsview

[Rotarran]

A quick report on Downsview.  The shorebird action has died down a bit but now the birds of prey are stepping up their game.  Most notably a beautiful Northern Harrier that looks very similar to the one I saw almost exactly one year ago at Downsview Park.  


I also saw 3 American Kestrels hovering almost like Hummingbirds.  I don't know for sure but I think that the 3 are a family with one male, one female and their offspring.  I've seen them before and they seem so tight and are always flying together.  I think the parents are trying to teach the offspring how to hunt.  Fun to watch.

Shot a couple of short videos...sorry if it's a bit shaky: https://youtu.be/DCjOPaf5-pA

There's also what appeaers to be a new Red-tailed Hawk at the park.  A very beautiful specimen with a reddish head and a cream white chest.  Here's a short video of him scratching his head.  Not something I see often haha: https://youtu.be/apggysNPOxI

[Rotarran]

Before I forget, I also saw 2 WT Deer...a small fawn and I think its mother.  I didn't want to get too close so as not to stress them out but I did get this pic of the fawn.  


Deer are extremely uncommon at Downsview.

[Dinusaur]

Nice set and the video. The Kestrels are master of hovering, aren't they? I dropped by this afternoon on my way back from work - unfortunately it was very cloudy. However, I saw three deer (a mother and two babies) as well as the Kestrels. Also, saw some areas of the park fenced off with a big stage setup - probably for some upcoming concerts.

[winz]

Nice set and the video. The Kestrels are master of hovering, aren't they? I dropped by this afternoon on my way back from work - unfortunately it was very cloudy. However, I saw three deer (a mother and two babies) as well as the Kestrels. Also, saw some areas of the park fenced off with a big stage setup - probably for some upcoming concerts.

Agreed, nice photos and videos.  I have seen deer at Downsview before.  There is a weekend concert Riot Fest starting today at 11am, probably not the best weekend to bird Downsview.

[Rotarran]

I passed by today for a couple of hours and although it was a bit quiet, I did find a couple of warblers including a Palm Warbler and Common Yellowthroat.

There are also lots of Monarchs at the park.