Great Blue Heron

[Janet Patterson]

Yesterday (Jan I saw a Great Blue Heron in Earl Bales Park (Bathurst & Sheppard). The creek is open, of course, with running water. I saw it fly away from the creek and then it landed on the top of a very tall light standard at the bottom of the ski hill. Is it unusual to see a GBH in January in Toronto? Am I right in assuming that they may stick around if the winter is mild?

[Dinusaur]

Not un-usual; as long as there's open water and food available, they stick around. A friend of mine saw one in Downsview Dale Park in January, two winters ago. About a month ago I saw one near Minesing Wetlands (North west of Barrie) amidst a snow covered creek by the side of McKinnon Road. There's one reported in Valley Inn in Burlington not so long ago.

[Janet Patterson]

Thanks for the feedback. I thought the same about open water. I hope it finds enough to eat.

[Rotarran]

Kingfishers are a bit similar.  There was at least 1 Kingfisher (say at least because I suspected 2 but couldn't confirm) at the Milne Dam conservation area a couple of winters ago.  There is lots of open water there even in the coldest of winters so that is why they sometimes stick around.  They could be there every winter, but I don't always check.