Downsview Park Dec 22

[Ally]

I asked one birder whether the Barred Owl was there, she said, it was, you should come earlier. I said if only I could get up. Not complaining, I'm happy with all feathered creatures. But not sure how the voles in Downsview Park feel today.

[Ally]

My first time seeing a Northern Harrier here. The RTH is hoping to get on the 'Success Hawk' poster.

[Shortsighted]

Well done! Much better to have visited Downsview Park now then when the winter storm arrives tomorrow. I have not seen many kestrels and have never photographed one of these birds to my satisfaction, or to theirs. Once I spotted what I thought was a Northern Harrier at the Beare Hill wetland. Probably drawn to the open spaces on the slopes of the hill. I didn't know what it was at the time but it had the right all-brown colour and short owl-like face and beak. I only had the Canon G9 PAS camera at the time so I couldn't get close enough to photograph it. Assuming that was a harrier I haven't seen one since. Aaaand that's the cue for the violins to come in.

[Napper]

Hi Ally
I used to work at Downsview, over the course of many years observed all the birds of prey you posted.Kestrels are there year round and actually breed in multiple locations at the Bombardier site. Northern Harrier's are usually spring and winter migrants.
If you are there early in the morning during winter you might also spot a Snowy flying over the base. Short Eared Owls are also common in the evening and morning near the airfield.
Nice pic's
Napper

[Ally]

Hi Ally
I used to work at Downsview, over the course of many years observed all the birds of prey you posted.Kestrels are there year round and actually breed in multiple locations at the Bombardier site. Northern Harrier's are usually spring and winter migrants.
If you are there early in the morning during winter you might also spot a Snowy flying over the base. Short Eared Owls are also common in the evening and morning near the airfield.
Nice pic's
Napper

Thank you Napper. Being up early is one of life's challenges. I was lucky to have found snowy there before. And so fortunate to have seen Shorties last year for the first time ever. What a treat!