New to the forum - pics also

[ichiro17]

Hi all,

Just wanted to introduce myself.  My name is Joseph and I'm a GTA resident.  I'm an avid photographer and like to do a lot of wildlife photography.  I love taking the drives out to different places in Ontario just to see the land and to look for the birds.  Like most, I'm particularly interested in raptors -- which seem to be in large numbers lately -- but I don't just limit myself to that.  I recently took a trip to Banff and had a wonderful time there.  Lots of amazing animals in such a beautiful landscape.  I just recently started to look for spots in Southern Ontario that I can visit to see different birds.  If anyone has any hotspots that they wish to share for raptors especially -- I'd love to see a bald eagle again (saw them in Banff and loved them) -- please PM me  

I'm just going to post a few pics from a recent trip to Long Point which was inspired by a post I read here.  

I'm glad to be a part of the forum, I hope to contribute some more in the coming summer and onwards.

[Anonymous]

Welcome to the forum - hope you enjoy your stay!

[Lee]

Welcome to the group!  I went to Vancouver a year ago and found 2 eagles' nests, one in Stanley Park, the other at Vanier Park, in a tree by a 4 way stop sign at the marina!  The babies at that nest didn't survive, and the eagles at the Stanley Park nest didn't really hang out much at their nest, and didn't even lay eggs.  This year, they haven't laid eggs either, and I don't think the Vanier eagles have either, a friend lives out there and keeps an eye on them for me and usually one is always on the nest when eggs are present but he's barely seen them.

[JTF]

What is your gear list Joseph for photography?

[Axeman]

I've seen a lot of the baldies around Ucluelet / Toffino and in Revelstoke...in numbers that the locals don't even turn their  heads...

I too love raptors but have great difficulty in identifying them...if anyone has tips or a checklist, I'd love to hear it.

BTW...fabulous pix...er...ummm...identification? Wast the top pic an immature baldie?

[ichiro17]

First and last pics are of the same bird.  Not sure what it is.  I do believe the middle bird is a rough-legged hawk, but I could definitely be incorrect.  I'm just really good at spotting RTHs.

I wish there were more eagles in Ontario (or at least much more easily found eagles)

Ospreys too!

[BIGFRANK]

Id say one and 3 are Dark-morph(or phase) Rough-legged Hawk.

[ichiro17]

I'd tend to agree given the pattern under the wings.

[Axeman]

WHat about pic 2 ?

I know that there are several pairs of Osprey on Rice Lake near Roseneath...the cottagers around there build nest sites for them and they return year after year...after year...I've seen them for at least a decade now nesting in same sites.

[Iain]

Pic 2 is also a Roughy.  Note the dark brown feathers on the lower breast and the light coloured, streaked head.

Iain