thirty robins and a pileated woodpecker

[silverfoxx]

I spotted a small flock of 8 to 10 robins moving through the treetops in Taylor Creek Park today - followed by a few stragglers then another flock of a dozen or more. I probably saw about 30 within 5 minutes but I kept walking so I don't know if there were more. I've noticed posts indicating that robins are now common in the GTA in winter. Does anyone know how recent this phenomenon is and what the explanation is?

As I was headed home I heard the chatter of a belted kingfisher following the course of the creek. Then I heard a loud thwak-thwak-thwak and turned around to see a female pileated woodpecker low on tree less than 20 feet away. Since this is the second or third time that I’ve seen both of these birds in this area I assume they are regulars.

[Lloyd]

Earlier, someone on this website had mentioned Pileated Woodpecker activity in Edwards Gardens which is just to the north of Taylor Creek Park. I was there on the weekend and saw the tree that person had talked about. Located just off the parking area at the entrance to the trails, I was blown away by the enormous holes these woodpeckers can create. If you get a chance, pop up to E.G. and check it out.

[feathered]

Nice sighting... I still have yet to get a good look at one.

[BIGFRANK]

Robins have been over wintering in the city all year round for about 10-15 years now. Most you are seeing arent year round residents right now. They left. These are birds from further north. As long as there is food they stay. Birds dont migrate because of the cold necessarily,its about food source. Small birds go south as they eat bugs and berries. Raptors go south as the ones which eat predominantly smaller birds have to follow their food.

[Margaret]

Snow coming down thick and fast in Brampton. I looked out the window at lunchtime and a robin flew in to a tree, he was all nicely fluffed up. This is a FIRST for me in winter. I've been here 30 years and read on the web how robins do stay up here nowadays but had never seen one until Spring until today.
The usuals are at the feeder: juncos galore, house finches, A. goldfinches, the odd chickadee. And the male cardinal often flies in.

[silverfoxx]

Thanks Frank - I was wondering about that.