Downsview Report - Spring 2016 Edition

[Rotarran]

Bit of an update.  Passed by yesterday and things did not change much.  I saw almost the same birds in the same spots as on Sunday.  One thing that did stick out though is that I think there are 2 Brown Thrashers...one in the old Downsview Park and one in the Will Baker section.  May be male and female.  The one in the old DV park sang loudly right near the entrance while the one in the Baker trail tends to be more skulky and skittish.

It was also the day of the mammals yesterday.  I saw a skunk, a raccoon, a couple of rabbits, a few squirrels (of course) and a woodchuck.  Also saw a dead mouse but those are plentiful just hard to spot.  If you include people and their canine companions and we've got a respectable number of mammal species at the park  Last week I did spot a Coyote but I'm surprised we've never seen any Foxes at DV.  Maybe they prefer more wooded areas.

If you do go to the park just keep an eye out for the skunk, I saw it for the first time on Sunday and he did seem ready to spray if I got too close.  If you keep your distance, it should be ok.  I've also been trying to warn other park-goers (especially those with dogs).

[rickeckley]

Hi Elias,

I don't bird Downsview, but I have really been enjoying your reports.  You have nice descriptions that get me into your walk and the pics are super.  We met in the Wet Woods when you and I were just beginning our birding adventure.  You've come a long way and it's been fun to have your posts so I could see it happening.

Thanks for posting,

Rick

[Rotarran]

Thanks Rick.  I'm glad you enjoy the reports.  You should check the park out some time.  It's not as exciting as the wet woods or Col Smith park but the park always throws up a surprise or two.  In fact just yesterday when I thought nothing special would happen I saw the 2 Brown Thrashers together for the first time.  I think they may be a nesting couple now.  It was very heart-warming to see them scampering around together like a husband and wife.



And then suddenly a House Wren popped up as I strolled through the wooded chip walking are north of the flags.  You just never know what you'll see but it takes patience and slowing down.  The birds are just not as densely sprinkled as in other parks.  The House Wren was a new bird for the park too which is always a great bonus!

[Rotarran]

It is wet and cold and there's a walk for ms event going on so heads up the park is busy and parking is a big headache. Don't know when this event is done though. Check dv website. Despite all that I found a BH vireo and YR warblers

[Rotarran]

Walk for MS event is done and the rain has lifted. I'll post some pics tonight.

[Rotarran]

Well looks like I found a new bird for the park again, this time a Purple Finch.  Just wanted to confirm through my pictures.

Not great pics but they're starting to arrive.

Here's the Blue-headed Vireo, one of my favourite birds.  


Yellow-rumped Warblers may be common but they can be so striking:


And finally here's the newest member of Downsview, the Purple Finch:

[Napper]

Barn Swallow's

On Monday Morning I spotted 5 Barn swallows zipping about over our facility and Downsview  Park.

Can't miss their enthusiastic call!

Napper