Leslie Street Spit today

[Anonymous]

Good evening

 This morning I joined Margaret Liubavicius for a stroll on the Leslie Street Spit and stroll we did as it was a beautiful morning to be out there.

 Highlights birds were:-

Horned Grebes - 6
Red-necked Grebes - 26
Both Scaup
White-winged Scoters - 47
All 3 Mergansers including 2 Hooded Mergansers
Cooper's Hawk - 1
American Kestrel - 4
Peregrine Falcon - Juvenile Female - we saw 1 but  2 were present
Horned Larks - 19 overhead
Snow Buntings
Red-winged Blackbirds - 11
Common Grackle - 4

Note:- All the Grebes and Scoters were on the lake as the bays are still frozen over thus a low Waterfowl count.

Directions:-
LESLIE STREET SPIT (TOMMY THOMPSON PARK) IN TORONTO
To get to "The Spit" from Queen and Yonge Streets. Take the Queen Street Car #501 east to Leslie St. and walk south (about 2 km) or as far as you can go on Leslie St. at Unwin Ave. and you will see the gate and signage. You may also catch the Jones Bus #83 at the Donlands Subway Station or transfer to it at Queen St. and Jones Ave. and take it to Leslie St. And Commissioner St. (on Saturday only). By automobile you may drive to Lakeshore Blvd and Leslie St. then south to The Spit.

You can park either on Leslie St. or Unwin Ave. You may also park in the parking lot inside the main gate after 9 am. Be sure to observe the parking lot closing time as if you are not out by then your auto will be locked in until the following day.

[moratorian]

I also spent yesterday morning at the spit. Although my list is not as extensive I saw my first Red-winged Blackbird (sure sign of spring). I was able to get a good shot of the Peregrine Falcon (thanks to a young lady who pointed her (?) out to me) She (the falcon) was sitting on some rocks right by the shore on the East side on the way to Pipet point and let me get quite close.

http://outdoorontario.net/Gallery/Mikes ... e_Falcon_2

I also observed the Northern Saw-whet Owl well hidden in the tree by the side of the road.
On the way out of the park a Kestrel made an appearance right in front of me.

http://outdoorontario.net/Gallery/Mikes ... _Kestrel_3

Mike

[egret]

Hi Mike:

I so much enjoyed your pictures
thanks.. especially the Peregrine
just awesome

If Norm is here:

is there birding up at the Dunlap Observatory
or is it still there even?



Egret

O/t soon be time for the Island

[jjmb]

Mike, Didn't know who you were when I pointed the Peregrine out to you, but you certainly captured great pictures. Glad it worked out for you.

Was fortunate to find some of what Norm listed, along with the Saw Whet, 2 GHOs, the Shrike and a Red Tail. Couldn't find the Barred Owl this week, though.

I was a gorgeous day. The ground hog sunning itself on the log epitomized it. The 30+ rabbits I saw proved why the owls and coyotes love it down there. And the trilling of the RWB's capped off a great morning.

Looking forward to next weekend.....