R-N Grebes still Nesting at Sam Smith Park

[Brian Bailey]

The Red-necked Grebes are still on their nest at Sam Smith Park.  They appear to be incubating eggs, but I was there for a changing of the guard this evening and I couldn't see any eggs.  The adult that took over adjusted something in the nest with its beak, but I couldn't see what it was.  Hopefully there are eggs deep in the nest.  There has been an adult on the nest every time I've visited in the last week and a half.

Other birds:  4 other RN Grebes scattered around the park, Kingfisher, Caspian Terns, and several Nighthawks flying around fairly low as early as 8:10 this evening.

BB

[Brian Bailey]

I visited this evening and again couldn't see eggs or fluffy heads but there was an adult on the nest the whole time.

Also there were 2 other pairs of R-N Grebes, calling and courting, plus two other single birds.  Looks like the nesting pair are giving others ideas!

I noticed a couple of Bank Swallows flying around on the east side of the park.  That means, with an eye to the sky, and a bit of patience you could quite reasonably expect to find all 6 swallow species there.  They all appear to be breeding in or very near the park.

BB

[Brian Bailey]

The nest is mostly gone, but one adult was still staying very close to the site this evening.  I'm guessing it got washed out in the storm yesterday, but the site is vulnerable to a wide variety of perils.

Also this evening, I found a Black-billed Cuckoo on the east side of Prince of Wales Park (where 2nd Street meets the lake in New Toronto).

BB