On Saturday Jun 6 and also the weekend before I heard and observed
a male Blue-winged warbler in the Glen Major Forest (north-east of Claremont).
That he's been there so long this late in the season suggests he might be nesting in
the area.
I found him previously by ear, about 4pm, and then visually. Saturday I
went back specifically to see if he was there, and did not see or hear
him as I went into the forest, at about 1:30. But he was there on the
way out, again about 4pm.
At the same location I have also observed Bluebirds which must be
nesting, I've seen them carrying food.
Directions: On the Walker Woods and Glen Major Forest trail map available from
http://www.trca.on.ca/Website/TRCA/Park ... os=0tpos=0look for post 40, which is in the parking lot off Concession 6, just
north of Uxbrige-Pickering Townline Road.
Follow the trail (a dirt road) south-east from the lot, and bear left
(keeping the deep bowl to the left).
After the trail splits there is a thin line of trees and shrubs along
its south-east side as it climbs up and then passes through a shallow
cut as it heads north-east. The birds have been here, among the Song
Sparrows.
Further in the forest, near post 38, I saw and heard a male
Chestnut-Sided warbler, possibly more than one; last week there were
some Indigo buntings as well. There might also have been a female
Magnolia warbler as well.
Following the Trans-Canada trail (the orange trail line) first west,
then north, then somewhat north-east leads to an area where the trail
passes through a thick pine wood. Last week a single bird, and
this week both, attacked me - there's a pair of Goshawks nesting,
the nest can be seen south of the trail partway up a pine.
Just stopping and standing for a moment is liable to bring
their wrath upon you, and I had to duck violently several times. It's
rather alarming to have these large birds screaming and swooping down
at you, and I beat a hasty retreat.
John Harper
