Humber College Arboretum: Fox Sparrow, RTH, and more...

[bernie2112]

Greetings!
At the Arboretum and in the valley there was a nice assortment. GC Kinglets were following me about along with Chickadees and a WB Nuthatch. I got some nice pictures of a RTH perching in the woods. The Mallard drakes were fighting and the hen calling. Then a nice surprise: a clear view of a Fox Sparrow in the thicket. The Goldfinches are turning a nice, well, gold colour. RWBB and Juncos are getting their fill and there are lots of Robins. Finally, there was a Kingfisher flying around.

The deer population is 7 and they are very visible. As well as a fox; looking well-fed.

The Arboretum is behind the college, and parking is free (go to the main kiosk first). The college itself is on Humber College Blvd, which is the second set of lights east of the 427 and Finch Ave.

Cheers,

Bernie

[Murray]

Hi Bernie, thanks for the report. I have only been down there a couple of times but it is a lovely place for a walk.
I see you have down 7 deer. When i was there sunday morning there had to be at least 15 deer just by the walkway.
Probably not a better place in southern ontario too see deer up close.
I am sure the birding will be fantastic in a few weeks down there. Can't Wait!!!!

Murray

[Raven11:11]

I have several posts about the incredible wildlife that may be found in & around the Arb - the deer are almost always seen in a field directly behind a small pond that is situated along the ramp leading to the Racetrack from Rexdale Blvd - I have been on many walk thru the paths in the forest & have come as close as 25 feet from several deer. What a surprise. they blend in so well.  Then, there is also my previous post about the red headed pheasant - I used to see many of them (& hear them) directly behind the old age care facility which is near the Hospital - haven't seen or heard any for several years.  Fox & coyote - all over .... not to mention the birds - specifically in & along the fields near the soccer fields behind the school.  A truly wonderful place.

[cocosally]

Bernie, thank you for your info, may check it out this coming weekend

[bernie2112]

Bernie, thank you for your info, may check it out this coming weekend

I was there last night. There are a lot of Juncos, who have quite a wide variety of songs, along with Song Sparrows, and House Finches. If you are lucky there is a Cooper's Hawk and Red Tail Hawk in the woods. Hairy and Downey Woodpeckers are also out and drumming on the trees. Chickadees, of course, and GC Kinglets, are there to help you practice for the Warblers! The sap is starting to run in the trees and I saw one butterfly (looks like a leaf) and so the Mourning Cloaks should be arriving soon.

There is a resident Mockingbird who will often let you look at it closely. Brown Headed Cowbirds are also starting to show and compete with the RWBBs. I have been keeping a lookout for the GBH but no luck so far. Same too for the GHO. One of the staff there said they had heard a Saw Whet Owl but nothing seen.

Cheers,

Bernie