Hi everyone, the Wood Ducks arrived back about one week ago. I am not talking about the lone male that stayed all winter. They usually are further towards the Ellis Ave. area (as was stated); however, the City of Toronto is doing some work right by that area and that has sent all the ducks off in other directions. Having said that, usually in the spring the Wood Ducks are further south and that is where the four couples have been. They are very elusive at this time of year as they prepare to nest, etc. I never go looking for them as I don't want to risk making them skittish but you can usually hear their high-pitched little sounds. I hope the City completes their work rather soon in order that the ducks can take up their usual places as a lot of them nest in that very area the City has invaded....
Thus far, I have not seen any Shovellers but lots of Bufflehead. I will keep my eyes open for that possible Grebe.
On another note, a very concerned member of the community had a meeting with the mayor a couple of weeks ago in order to perhaps put a stop, for this spring at least, to the annual Mute Swan egg-oiling program undertaken at Grenadier Pond every spring by the TRCA... all to no avail and it appears we will not have cygnets on the pond again this summer...
The woman who authored that piece in the Toronto Star, with the accompanying video, was also contacted but never returned any calls..
