Downsview Park

[Dinusaur]

This afternoon I went to the park right after 3 PM and met up with a couple who were leaving the park. They mentioned of a dead hawk and later took me to where they found a dead juvenile Red Tailed Hawk. It was on the west side of the path that divides the two foresty areas and goes towards the pond. The hawk was lying on its back; I found no visible injuries and no blood anywhere on its body. Most likely it hit a tree or something and broke its neck. It looked healthy and the feathers seemed to indicate that it died no so long ago. Sad at the demise of this beautiful hawk.

[Rotarran]

I was there today between about 11 to 2 and did not see this hawk.  I saw quite a few Red-tails including a juvenile.  Hopefully it's not poison or anything like that.

[Napper]

That is kinda sad..

One of my Co-workers spotted a Snowy Owl this morning along Transit Rd near Wilson on his way to work.
I won't use his words but it was really big as it flew over his vehicle.

I have everyone on the lookout.

Napper @ Downsview airport

[Dinusaur]

One of my Co-workers spotted a Snowy Owl this morning along Transit Rd near Wilson on his way to work.
I won't use his words but it was really big as it flew over his vehicle.

It was reported at the same location a few days ago. The latest report increases the possibility. I was at the park this afternoon - saw a Kestrel, a Cooper's hawk, a Northern Harrier (female or juvenile can't tell) and a juvenile Red Tailed Hawk. Nice to see another juvenile RTH taking over after the passing of the other.

[Rob'in'To]

I was in Downsview Park on Monday (Feb 08) very briefly.  I chanced upon Ivy the Peregrine roadside.  She was attacking 4 Canada Geese in the west field area.  I did a blog about here, see the attached link.  It's mostly photos.  I saw a lot of things with Ivy in the short amount of time with her, so glad I had the camera with me as birding was not my main focus that morning.  http://robandtheanimals.blogspot.ca/201 ... h-ivy.html

[Dinusaur]

Wow, that must have been a thrill to watch.

[Rotarran]

Wow cool story and pictures. I like what you said about the park, sometimes it's a bit slow, but sometimes it can really blow you away. It's exactly how I feel and that's why I like going there, you never know what you're going to see. It's part of the mystery and excitement.

[Dinusaur]

On my way back from work I dropped by the park this afternoon. It was very quiet apart from a couple of Red Tailed Hawks and a Northern Harrier. I saw the Harrier from a distance and took photos of him as she flew over a hilly section of the park searching for food. At home, when I cropped the picture I noticed that it has one its legs protruding out and not tucked in its body as is usually the case when they fly. I hope it is nothing serious.

[Rotarran]

Thanks for the update Dinu.  Yeah it's remarkably quiet at the moment at Downsview but I'm sure it'll pick up soon...March is around the corner and we'll see the much awaited Red-winged Blackbirds soon enough  :lol:

[Rotarran]

Just wanted to provide a brief update. Swung by today for a few hours and while there wasn't anything insane, it was still a decent outing. Most of the regulars could be seen...it was good to see a bit of life back in the park. It had been so bleak the last few visits.

Of particular interest was a murder of Crows harassing pidgeons and gulls. They were really asserting their dominance although at times their numbers didn't match the other species. Fascinating how Crows like to bug other birds.

Also Canada Geese found a bit of open water in the pond and bathed like they hadn't seen water all winter (might be true if they didn't fly down to Lake Ontario)

Can't be long until Red-winged Blackbirds and Killdeers are back.

[Rotarran]

Good day today at Downsview.  Very nice temps, although a bit windy.  I guess the highlight is the return of the Red-winged Blackbirds...well one of them anyway.  Also saw a Peregrine Falcon and as many as 7 Red-tails.  The pond is starting to open up more...if that trend continues, it'll hopefully start to attract different species of ducks soon.

Sections of the park is very muddy so just be mindful if you get off the main paths.

[Napper]

Today at noon I could hear quite a few Red Winged Blackbirds at the ponds across the tracks from our facility at Downsview.

At home in Milton this evening there were Grackles calling.

I was busy with a project was in and out of house a few times.

[Dinusaur]

This afternoon I saw four killdeer, a dozen or so Blackbird, two song sparrows, a pair of grackles, a Hooded merganser pair besides the other regulars.

[Rotarran]

Nice sightings everyone!  I've been a bit out of commission due to a procedure I had to get done but I'll be out there soon enough.  Ducks, Geese and Swans are moving up north so keep eye on both ponds, you never know who might drop in for a visit.  

[Rotarran]

Swung by today for a couple of hours but it was a bit quiet. The pond was quite empty. But the woodlot did reveal an Eastern Phoebe. And on my way out I briefly saw a Coopers Hawk circling over the park.

Met Dinu too and he saw what must've been either a Snipe or Woodcock. Lots of people at the park now and many off-leash dogs.