A reminder that Beamer Memorial Park,Raptor Watch in Grimsby starts up soon(if it didnt start midmonth). Early days in Feb are very slow but one more sign spring is springing.
Ive also seen several posts of Northern Saw-whets in areas they havent been seen in so far this winter,likely they are moving north now. If you notice the local highway Redtails they are sitting side by side or in the same tree,pairing up. Local Peregrine Falcons around Toronto and the GTA are all on territory and begin courtship behaviors this time of year.(city Peregrines stay all year as no shortage of pigeons).
Anyone wanting to go to Beamer,check for peak migration times before going. I dont get there often so will check peaks and post soon. In the spring raptors fly ahead of storms,as opposed to fall when they follow them. In spring there is an urgency to get north and find a territory and a mate so they migrate ahead of storms rather then wait them out. Please note Rosetta McClain Gardens is NOT a good migratory path for raptors in the spring. A really good day in April,if there all day U might see 20 birds. It IS however very good for small birds. When there are fallouts we do very well. They have recently chainsaw massacred many trees in the park and brush in some areas,so this could effect spring migration,Im interested to see,come warbler time.
