Hello all!
My husband and I went to Humber Bay Park last Saturday and High Park last Sunday. A few things were worth mentioning!
Humber Bay Park proved to be a fantastic day for birding! Many of the usual waterfowl were present, although there were a few surprises.
• The first being 6 trumpeter swans at Mimico Creek. This is the most I have ever seen here. In 2006 there was 1 juvenile (wing tag #984), last year there were two adults (wing tag #799 & untagged mate), and this year a family of four (no wing tags, only foot tags). The 6 we saw were new swans, their wing tags are E22, E21, E27, E28, 122 & A27. I have reported them to the Wye Marsh Research Center. All look healthy
• Buffleheads were friendlier then usual at Mimico Creek. One male bufflehead came almost to shore!
• The Harlequin couple is still by the beach, came really close for some good shots
• A ring billed was apparently seen by the storm walk, but I did not personally see it. A mink was spotted as well along the rocks. Widgeons seemed friendlier that day as well, came very close to the bridge!
• A kestrel was spotted by the butterfly habitat. He let us come pretty close to him! That was probably the closest I have ever been near one, they usually fly away once they spot me.
High Park was a bit quieter. The red winged blackbirds seem to be everywhere all of a sudden!
• A few red tailed hawks were spotted by the small duck ponds, and over Grenedier Pond.
• The mallard/house duck hybrids are still in the ravine, although the female hybrid is either dead or no longer with them.
• 17 cedar waxwings were spotted high in the trees near the small duck ponds.
It seems the giant flocks of scaups, long tails and golden eyes in the Mimico-Lakeshore area have gone elsewhere. I imagine the trumpeters and remaining winter ducks will be gone by mid month.
So if you haven't seen the harlequins, go see them NOW!
