Downsview May Report

[Rotarran]

Well May migration is in full swing all over Toronto and Downsview is getting some of the action too.  

Today 3 of us (Dinu, myself and a relatively new birder whose name I didn't catch) saw a Warbling Vireo and a Chestnut-sided Warbler (my favourite Warbler) in the wooded area.  That brings the count up to 5 for Warbler/Vireo species in May including Blue-headed Vireo (May 1), Yellow-rumped Warbler, Palm Warbler, and the aforementioned Warbling Vireo and Chestnut-sided Warbler.  A modest but attractive collection to be sure.

The Brown Thrashers continue ...seemingly content in this park despite all the distractions.  And all the usual suspects (Robins, Goldfinches, Blackbirds) are singing, chattering and fluttering up little storms all over the park no doubt excited by the mating season.  

[Dinusaur]

So you found the chestnut-sided warbler - isn't it pretty? The young man's name is Rob - he captured some nice photos of the warbler. I also saw this one prowling in wooded section.

[Flyingbass]

I was out with a group today and a what I think was a cooper's hawk flew over our heads.  Didn't have binoculars and only saw it for second, has anyone seen it around?

[Dinusaur]

I was out with a group today and a what I think was a cooper's hawk flew over our heads.  Didn't have binoculars and only saw it for second, has anyone seen it around?

I saw it on the 23rd - chasing a spotted sandpiper at the small pond close to the train track.

[Rotarran]

I saw one in late March.  It was circling the park a bit like a Red-tail would which was kinda interesting to observe.  Speaking of Red-tails they've been remarkably absent recently no doubt due to the fact that the RWBBs chase anything remotely threatening away.

[Rotarran]

Very likely Clay-coloured Sparrow in the William Baker section of the park. Just off Sheppard. Also Lincolns Sparrow in the woods. Will post pics later.

[Rotarran]

Lincoln's Sparrow


And the star of today, the Clay-coloured Sparrow.  Wow I'm quite thrilled with finding it although yeah I understand it is more likely during migration.  It is unlikely to stick around long term but hopefully it will still be there tomorrow.

[Walter Fisher]

You're getting some great birds and great photos up there at Downsview Rotarran, congratulations!

Good birding,
Walter

[Rotarran]

Thanks Walter.  Yeah I'm trying to raise DV's profile a bit...hopefully it'll get people's attention.  I'm not saying it'll compete with Leslie Spit or Col Smith but there is definite unexplored potential.  

Passed by today for a bit and saw a Yellow Warbler, Eastern Kingbird and some Chimney Swifts...all new for the year.

[Rotarran]

99% certain Cliff Swallow over pond. Will post pics tonight

[Rotarran]

So I confirmed that what I saw was indeed a Cliff Swallow.  An exciting find because they're not all that common.  This is the best picture I could manage and ironically it was the first  :lol:


It wasn't an overwhelming day by any stretch but the rain did ground a few migrants.  After the rain lifted I found a Field Sparrow, Blue-headed Vireo and a type of Flycatcher I'm still trying to ID.  



Also first Baltimore Oriole of the year, such stunning birds but couldn't get a decent picture.

[tangara]

If anyone sees (and especially photos) here an empidonax flycatcher today (Monday) please post immediately.  Please read the posts under the ID section.

[Rotarran]

I did want to raise my concern on this board about off leash dogs plowing through wildlife areas.  Today I saw an especially egregious incident where a large and aggressive dog barged into some reeds and flushed ducks and song-birds.  

Something needs to be done as I witness these types of incident more frequently at Downsview.  Downsview is not an off-leash park and several signs do say that the dog-owners must keep their dogs on a leas at all times.  

Anyway, two more warblers to add to our spring list: Black and White Warbler and a female Black-throated Blue Warbler.  Also seen by Dinu.

We didn't see any flycatchers today.  

[Rotarran]

Yesterday was a bit slower on the Warbler front although still a good number of birds overall.  Most notable birds were Common Yellothroat, Lincoln's Sparrow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a ton of very active and vocal Baltimore Orioles.  It was an invasion.  I thought with this many Baltimores that I might see an Orchard Oriole...but no luck.  A birder by the name of Mirek who unfortunately doesn't report on eBird saw a Veery on Tuesday but I could not refind it.

[Rotarran]

Wood Thrush and Veery today. Wood Thrush very hard to get though...did not manage a pic.