Previous Outings Reports

May 23, 2009

Leader: Steven Favier

A total of 43 species were seen on the walk by 22 participants. Six species of warbler were present, including Yellow, Magnolia, Wilson's, Canada, American Redstart and Common Yellowthroat. A distant flock of over 50 Whimbrel was observed. Other shorebirds seen were Killdeer, Semipalmated Plover and Spotted Sandpiper.

A Cooper's Hawk was sitting on a nest in a conifer just north of the power plant area. A Warbling Vireo was also on a nest, singing frequently. A pair of Red‐necked Grebes were observed at close range building a nest. They took turns dropping vegetation in the water above a sunken log. Other birds of interest included Common Loon, Willow Flycatcher, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird and Savannah Sparrow.

May 19, 2007

Leader: Steven Favier

A total of 73 species were seen on the walk by 20 participants. 15 species of Warbler were present, including Mourning, Black–throated Blue, Palm, Blackburnian, American Redstart, Bay–breasted, Wilson’s and Canada. A highlight of the walk was an American Bittern, which perched in a tree after being flushed. The entire group was able to get a good extended view of this bird. A male Scarlet Tanager and male Rose–breasted Grosbeak were also seen well. A Cooper’s Hawk was sitting on a nest in a conifer in the “bowl.” Other breeding evidence included a Baltimore Oriole constructing a nest and several young Canada Geese and American Robins. Waterfowl were scarce, but a Red–necked Grebe, Lesser Scaup and 2 Redhead Ducks were still present. Other birds of interest included Green Heron, American Coot, Veery, Gray Catbird and Savannah Sparrow.

May 22, 2004

Leader: Steven Favier

52 Species were recorded on the walk, but unfortunately no Whimbrels were seen. 11 species of warblers were found including Chestnut–sided, Black–throated Blue, Blackburnian, Bay–breasted, Blackpoll and Wilson's. Also seen were Willow Flycatcher, Philadelphia Vireo, Bobolink and a small group of Dunlin. A pair of Northern Flickers were observed mating near their nest cavity.

February 3, 2008

Leader: Rayfield Pye

Thanks to leader Rayfield Pye for an excellent outing. Participants saw some large flocks of Bohemain and Cedar Waxwings. While looking for Pine Grosbeaks the group located some flocks of Horned Larks. At Newcastle Harbor we saw two subspecies of Canada Geese, Buffleheads, Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, Greater Scaup, Mallard Ducks, Black Ducks, Herring Gulls and Ring–billed Gulls. On Mill Road we saw Hairy Woodpecker, Black–capped Chickadee, Common Redpolls, House Sparrows, Mourning Doves and Goldfinches. And all of this was before lunch.

February 5, 2005

Leader: Garth Riley

Fifteen participants set out in –5 C weather with a thick ice fog which formed amazing patterns of hoar frost on everything. The temperatures never made it above freezing although 5 C had been forecast. A total of 42 species of bird were found including two Great Gray Owls, two Barred Owls and a single Great Horned Owl. A Pileated Woodpecker gave very close looks on Halls Rd. which was greatly appreciated in the thick fog. Two Red–bellied Woodpeckers were also found later the day.

Lake viewing was impossible but an American Coot and Northern Pintail at Watson Creek just before Whitby harbour were good finds.

The Hoary Redpolls reported earlier in the week at a feeder on Audley Rd. were no shows but we were compensated with 2 Common Redpolls.

Other good finds during the outing were a Northern Shrike and two White–throated Sparrows

February 7, 2004

Leader: Garth Riley

At the foot of Liverpool Rd. there were numerous Common Goldeneye on the water and two White–winged Scoter flew in for a brief visit. A single Long–tailed Duck also did a fly by. The water around the bridge was mainly frozen with a small open patch of water directly under the bridge. Here were the usual semi–domestic Mallards and eight Trumpeter Swans, seven of which had visible wing tags.

Halls Rd. was by far the most productive area with many different species at the feeders along the path to the north platform. Highlights here were Red–winged Blackbird, Northern Flicker, two Swamp Sparrow (at the viewing platform) and several Common Redpoll. At the lake there were three light phase Rough–legged Hawks soaring over the fields and Greater Scaup and Redhead on the water in close to shore.

A spectacular sight was the huge flocks of Snow Buntings in the field west of Halls Rd. My best estimate was 3,500 birds but others who had been in this area earlier in the day had much higher estimates.

Thickson’s Woods was relatively quiet but we happened upon five Long–eared Owls in a line of spruce trees next to one of the houses. They were very co–operative and gave everyone excellent looks. As we were starting to leave the woods we heard a Pileated Woodpecker call and were able to locate it, a female, not far from where we had seen the owls.

The weather co–operated and became quite sunny in the afternoon. With a total of 43 species for the day the group headed for home at 3:45 p.m.

September 15, 2007

Leader: Steven Favier

A total of 46 species were recorded on the walk by 20 participants.There was a fairly good variety of migrants, located mainly in the central and southern areas of the Park. 11 species of Warbler were present, including Tennessee, Cape May, Black–throated Blue, Blackburnian, Palm, Blackpoll, American Redstart and Wilson’s. Other birds of interest were Ruby–throated Hummingbird, Eastern Wood–Pewee, Belted Kingfisher and Swainson’s Thrush. The small Duck Ponds were productive with 4 Great Blue Herons, 2 Great Egrets and 5 Black–crowned Night–Herons, as well as 2 Solitary Sandpipers. A mink was also seen well, along the shoreline. Raptors sighted included Turkey Vulture, Sharp–shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawk, Red–tailed Hawk and American Kestrel.

May 6, 2006

Leader: Bob Yukich

I led the Jim Baillie Memorial Bird Walk in High Park on Saturday, May 6, 2006. 36 participants saw a total of 67 bird species, including 10 species of common warblers. A cold front had passed through over night accompanied by some rain. The day started out cloudy and cool, becoming mostly sunny by mid–morning. A northwest wind made it feel quite chilly. Temperatures ranged from 6 to 12 degrees C.

But there were birds, mainly in sheltered areas. Highlights for many in the group were male and female Ruby–throated Hummingbirds, Swainson's Thrush, a brilliant male Scarlet Tanager and an adult male Orchard Oriole singing on territory. Great–crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird and Least Flycatcher were also seen. There were many year firsts for much of the group. A pair of adult Red–tailed Hawks were flushed behind Colborne Lodge where they have recently been seen building a nest. In the southeast section of the park 5 adult Wood Ducks including one female were being hand fed at the Upper Duck Pond! These tame individuals are likely the same ones that fledged here in 2005. Overall a very enjoyable outing, with everyone getting good looks at many of the birds.

September 17, 2005

Leader: Steven Favier

47 species were observed by 19 participants, with a good variety of migrants concentrated in the north–east section of the park. 13 species of warbler were present, including Orange–crowned, Black–throated Blue, Blackburnian, Palm, Bay–breasted and Ovenbird. Small flocks of Blue Jays and Grackles were scattered throughout the park. Other migrants of interest included a late Indigo Bunting, Ruby–throated Hummingbird, Brown Creeper and Rose–breasted Grosbeak. An American Kestrel was observed several times chasing a Robin. Several Wood Ducks in the Duck Pond area were as tame as the Mallards, as they approached people at the pond edge, looking for food.

May 7, 2005

Leader: Bob Yukich

Weather – Cloudy, then sunny 10–17C.

Even though May migration has been somewhat slow so far, 32 participants managed to see 10 species of warblers, including a singing adult male Cape May. Also their first Orioles of the season, including an adult male Orchard Oriole on territory at the hillside gardens. Blue–gray Gnatcatchers were found building a nest near Colborne Lodge. A Virginia Rail was seen by one participant along Grenadier Pond. Other firsts for the year for many, were Chimney Swift, Least Flycatcher and Rose–breasted Grosbeak. A beautiful spring day and enjoyed by all.

September 18, 2004

Leader: Steven Favier

30 species were recorded on the walk with most migrants concentrated in the north–east section of the park. One highlight was having several good views of a Northern Parula. Other warblers included Nashville, Magnolia, Black–throated Green, Bay–breasted and Black–and–white. In the south Duck Pond area, an American Kestrel was seen repeatedly diving at a circling Red–tailed Hawk.

May 1, 2004

Leader: Bob Yukich

On May 1st from 7:30 am till 1:00 pm 29 participants on the Jim Baillie Memorial bird walk in High Park enjoyed the first good fallout of warblers, vireos, orioles etc. of the year. We managed to hit it right this time, with warm southerly breezes the previous two days, along with grounding rains overnight. The day was mostly cloudy but warm, with a brief rain in the morning. Highlights were Virginia Rail at the north end of Grenadier Pond, and a male Cape May Warbler and a Yellow–throated Vireo near the hillside gardens. Also seen were Red–eyed Vireo, Great Crested Flycatcher,Wood Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrashers, eight species of sparrow, and a pair of Orchard Orioles on territory at the hillside gardens. We finished up the day with 78 species, including 12 species of warbler.

September 10, 2005

Leader: Don Burton

24 participants observed a total of 40 species on a warm, partly cloudy morning, with just a light southerly wind blowing. While Ruby–throated Hummingbirds were unusually numerous (12), other migrant species were relatively few, e.g. only 5 warbler species comprising 9 birds. This was probably due to the continuing period of above average temperatures. The sighting of a lone Broad–winged Hawk, however, was a pleasant surprise. It was also a surprise to have a brief glimpse of two White–tailed Deer (does) on the hillside near Edenbridge Drive.

May 21, 2005

Leader: Steven Favier

Weather – Variable clouds and a shower 10C.

There was a good diversity of migrants seen on the walk by the 22 particpants. Total number of species was 69. 19 species of Warblers were present, including Blue–winged, Northern Parula, Black–throated Blue, Blackburnian, Bay–breasted, Blackpoll, Wilson's and Canada. Although Spotted and Least Sandpipers were seen, there were no Whimbrel observed. A Willow Flycatcher was singing on territory. Everyone had good views of a cooperative male Scarlet Tanager. Other migrants of interest included a male Rose–breasted Grosbeak, Lincoln's Sparrow and Veery.

March 1, 2008

Leader: Garth Riley

A successful Toronto Ornithological Club outing started at Humber Bay East with a male and female Harlequin Duck in the southern–most bay along the path to the southeastern tip. Other good birds here included five Horned Grebes, two American Coots, two Lesser Scaup, and three Ruddy Ducks.

At Colonel Sam Smith Park we couldn’t locate the Snowy Owl but were rewarded with a Northern Shrike. At Port Credit harbour, we had a Yellow–rumped Warbler on the east side just south of the Snug Harbour Restaurant and another Lesser Scaup in the harbour. Rattray Marsh was rather quiet in the strong northwest wind, but we did find a Carolina Wren.

At Hamilton harbour west of the ship channel in Hamilton Bay we saw five Bald Eagles. We had both Peregrine Falcons on the lift bridge. We had a Bald Eagle in flight at the Travel lodge in Burlington where we also had close–up looks at a male Surf Scoter and two other more distant Surf Scoters. White–winged Scoters were very common along the western Lake Ontario waterfront, with 124 being seen and several very close views at Port Credit harbour and the ship channel.

March 5, 2005

Leader: Ron Scovell

11 participants started at 9.00 a.m. on a cold (–5C), but mostly sunny day, from the parking lot at Humber Bay East. 31 species were seen between there and 50 Road, with 11 species of waterfowl, highlighted by 5 King Eiders (a life bird for several participants) and many White–winged and Surf Scoters. 3 Great Black–backed Gulls, a Northern Shrike and a Northern Mockingbird were among other species seen, before the end of the outing around 4.00 p.m.

September 22, 2007

Leader: Bob Kortright

14 gathered at the foot of Leslie St for what promised to be a slow day of fall birding – temperatures had risen to a balmy 20 overnight and fairly strong southwest winds were forecast. This Jim Baillie memorial birdwalk was advertised as Shorebirds and Other Migrants, but shorebirds were few: 1 white–rumped sandpiper in embayment D and 3 Killdeer flushed from the endikement near the end of the day. Landbirds other than blue jays were very scarce, but, despite fairly strong west winds, a diversity of raptors streamed overhead – the most this reporter has seen in one day on the spit. Thanks to Naish McHugh, Ed O'Connor, Sarah Box, and others whose names I did not note for their quick eyes and good company.

Number of species: 46 plus a Traill's Flycatcher

• Canada Goose 51
• Mute Swan 45
• Gadwall 92
• American Black Duck 7
• Mallard 127
• Northern Shoveler 13
• Redhead 10
• Greater Scaup 1
• Lesser Scaup 21
• Common Goldeneye 1
• Hooded Merganser 26
• Horned Grebe 2
• Double–crested Cormorant 78
• Great Blue Heron 2
• Turkey Vulture 1
• Osprey 1
• Bald Eagle 2
• Northern Harrier 5
• Sharp–shinned Hawk 51
• Cooper's Hawk 11
• Broad–winged Hawk 1
• Red–tailed Hawk 7
• American Kestrel 10
• Merlin 5
• Peregrine Falcon 1
• Killdeer 3
• White–rumped Sandpiper 1
• Ring–billed Gull 200
• Herring Gull 12
• Great Black–backed Gull 1
• Caspian Tern 2
• Rock Pigeon 11
• Mourning Dove 5
• Chimney Swift 2
• Ruby–throated Hummingbird 1
• Belted Kingfisher 2
• Downy Woodpecker 1
• Northern Flicker 7
• Blue Jay 350
• Black–capped Chickadee 3
• European Starling 51
• Magnolia Warbler 1
• Song Sparrow 7
• Red–winged Blackbird 8
• Common Grackle 1
• American Goldfinch 12

September 2, 2006

Leader: Norm Murr

Today started off without the promise of any chance of fair weather and the promise was kept. The winds out of the SE were approx. 25 kph with gusts to approx. 35 – 40 kph which helped to keep birds and insects down and probably contributed to the migration slow down. One plus was that it was not cold out.

As Naish McHugh and I stood at the first gate waiting for the participants to show up we observed a Merlin as it quickly flew past and just before starting out a nice Blue Budgie was seen on the grass and then again as it flew off following a Red–winged Blackbird, strange pairing, "not that there's anything wrong with that".

At 8:00 am 21 of us started off through the west side of the Base and as we walked we noticed a few Chimney Swifts overhead and before we knew it we had 300+ of these little birds wheeling over the Base. Birds were scarce but we did find Warbling and Red–eyed Vireos, Magnolia, Wilson's, and Yellow–rumped Warblers as well as American Redstart and overhead a Common Loon was spotted.

It was now off along the causeway out onto The Spit proper and it was easy going as we had a tail wind. Out there we found many Cormorants of course, Mute Swans, Gadwall, A. Black Duck, Green and Blue–winged Teal, N. Shoveler, Hooded Merganser, a passing Black–crowned Night Heron and another Merlin. On Peninsula D we observed Downy Woodpeckers, a Sharp–shinned Hawk, Nashville, N. Parula, Magnolia, Cape May, Black–throated Blue, Yellow–rumped, Redstart and Wilson's Warblers.

It started to rain at around 11 am and wisely the remaining participants decided to catch the Conservation Authority shuttle van back to their autos about 12 pm but Naish McHugh, Ed O'Conner and I not being wise continued on in the on and off rain and the constant wind. We found a few more birds such as N. Flicker, Tree Swallows, Palm Warbler, Belted Kingfisher, more Hooded Mergansers, A. Kestrel and a few more of the same Warblers found earlier.

It was now time for us to wise up so we also called it a day and caught the van back at 2pm. Not a disappointing outing but disappointing weather.

September 24, 2005

Leader: Norm Murr

The start of the outing was a cool 9 degrees with a strong east wind but it warmed up later in the day and it became sunny but still windy but all in all a beautiful day to be out.

I reached the Base of the Spit to check out the area before the start of the outing and found a Northern Harrier hunting the base along with 2 Rusty Blackbirds and overhead flew 2 American Pipits. Both Ruby–crowned and Golden–crowned Kinglets were in evidence as were White–throated Sparrows and I did find 4 Black–throated Green Warblers together and when the first participant arrived just before 8 am an adult Osprey flew low over our head going west.

Once the participants arrived off we went through the west side of the base and it was fairly quiet but we did see a low flying Sharp–shinned Hawk and just before we arrived at the second gate an Eastern Phoebe, 30+ White–throated, 2 Lincoln's and about 9 White–crowned Sparrows were found along with a number of Dark–eyed Juncos and Yellow–rumped Warblers and over our head flew 6 Rusty Blackbirds.

We then proceeded along the causeway and again encountered good numbers (and up close) of both Ruby–crowned and Golden–crowned Kinglets, White–throated and White–crowned Sparrows, Juncos, Yellow–rumped Warblers, a Palm Warbler and everyone (I hope) had great looks a beautiful Northern Parula Warbler and offshore in the bay were 4 juvenile Hooded Mergansers.

Just before reaching the road onto the outer arm we left the road on our right and proceeded along paths where we found Chipping, Swamp, White–crowned and White–throated Sparrows lots of both Kinglets as well as more Yellow–rumped warblers and Black–throated Green, Black–throated Blue and Black–and–white Warblers and 3 Blue–headed Vireos.

We arrived at the lookout to the 1st bay on the right and found 31 Mute Swans, 36 Green–winged Teal (they flew in as we stood there), 5 Killdeer, a fishing Caspian Tern, a lone female Bufflehead, an American Wigeon, 2 Great Blue Herons and later looking back in the bay 5 Sanderling and a Black–bellied Plover.

We then checked out the 1st bay on the left across the road and found a Black–bellied Plover and 2 Northern Shovelers. Being fairly quiet here we went down the road onto Peninsula D. Along the road were several Hermit Thrushes, one right on the road within 20 feet of us and in the woods more of the usual (by now) (meaning White–throated Sparrow, Yellow–rumped Warbler and both Kinglets). We stopped briefly at the Banding Station but as they were busy we continued on past and out toward the tip of the peninsula. This was the birdiest area on the spit as it was well sheltered from the strong east wind. Out here we found more of the usual birds along with some Swainson's Thrushes, more Hermit Thrushes, 2 Tree Swallows overhead, 4 Phoebes, 7 Yellow–bellied Sapsuckers, a Winter Wren, a hunting Sharp–shinned Hawk, Red–eyed Vireo, American Redstart, Black–throated Blue and Black–and–white warblers with 3 more Hooded Mergansers off shore but the best bird was a young male Scarlet Tanager spotted by one the keen participants. This bird was very co–operative as it worked the bushes at eye level and as close as 10 feet from us.

We now reversed course spotting a Raccoon watching us from a tree and headed back to the Banding Station and our lunch stop. Here at the banding station the volunteers kindly invited the group in to observe some birds being banded including a pretty Blue–headed Vireo and a young Sharp–shinned Hawk that all were able to observe in the hand and the ID points were explained to them before the bird was released. After this and lunch we started back up the road and some of us (me) had a great in the sun look at a Gray–cheeked Thrush (at least 9 were banded this morning) another Winter Wren and another Eastern Phoebe.

Once we got to the main road we proceeded further out on the Spit to Peninsula C (on the way to Peninsula C a Belted Kingfisher was added to our list) where we found more Eastern Phoebes and a Great–crested Flycatcher and in the bay were 2 Common Mergansers and 3 Black Ducks in with the usual Mallards and Gadwalls.

We headed off to Peninsula B for more of the usual birds along with some Song Sparrows, Brown Creepers, Downy Woodpecker, more Black–throated green Warblers, Dark–eyed Juncos, a Lincoln Sparrow and 15+ Cormorants. The participants got to walk thru the now empty Ring–billed Gull and Double–crested Cormorant breeding colony area. We then crossed the main road to a small pond for more of the usual birds and another Black–throated green Warbler, Eastern Phoebe, Downy Woodpecker and Hermit Thrushes and in the pond on a log were 4 small (3" diameter) Painted Turtles.

It was time to start back and on the way we stopped at the Triangle Pond (across from Peninsula C) where we found 4 more Hooded Mergansers, 4 Painted Turtles, 1 Blanding's Turtle and 3 Map Turtles and as we crossed the foot bridge just beyond a Wood Duck flew past overhead and in the large bay here were many Gadwall, Mallards and 12 Lesser Scaup. We ended the outing here and hopped the van back to the parking lot.

The day and the group produced a nice total of 65 species of birds for the day and a nicer day weather wise (despite the wind) we couldn't ask for. This was a very friendly group and a pleasure to lead.

April 23, 2005

Leader: Hugh Currie

The outing started in windy, rainy weather with a temperature around 6C. Light rain persisted most of the overcast morning for the 11 participants, but developed into heavy rain, forcing an end to the outing (with only 3 participants left) around noon. Despite the conditions, 46 species were seen, including 5 Swallow species, 7 Woodcocks, both Caspian and Common Terns, Winter Wren, Brown Thrasher and Ruby–crowned Kinglet. The only early migrant Warblers were 2 Yellow–rumpeds, however, there were many Song and White–throated Sparrows, as well as a Swamp and 2 Tree Sparrows.

September 25, 2004

Leader: Norm Murr

We started out at 8 am with an American Pipit overhead and the first 50 or so of approx. 800 Blue Jays for the day flying west. As we walked through the quiet west side of the base the best we could come up with was a Cooper's Hawk and an American Kestrel that posed for us at the top of a dead tree.

We then continued along the causeway to the first bay on the right where we found a female Northern Pintail, we then crossed the road to the 1st bay on the left (they are doing quite a job building a wetland habitat). Here we were told about a Golden Plover that we did see along with 3 Black–bellied and 3 Semipalmated Plovers and 3 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 32 Killdeer and a Belted Kingfisher.

Off we went down the road onto Peninsula D where the group was invited to watch the banding of a netted bird. While standing here 9 Northern Shovelers flew overhead and in the trees at the banding station were Golden–crowned Kinglet, Black–throated Blue Warbler and Blackpoll Warbler. We continued on out the peninsula where it was very quiet but we did add Yellow–bellied Sapsucker and Grey–cheeked Thrush. We were also told that a Red–headed Woodpecker was seen earlier.

Again off we went along the main road towards the tip and off to our left on the lake side of the spit (the outer arm) a large accipiter was spotted on a post. It flew off and the consensus was that it was a Northern Goshawk.

The rest of the walk to the small pond just past Peninsula B was quiet except for 2 Winter Wrens, an American Wigeon and an Eastern Phoebe at the Triangle Pond. Some say I got lost on this leg of the walk but I claim that the trail led the wrong way. The well worn trails between Peninsula's C and B are grown over from lack of use. I think maybe the old spit gang should return and reopen these trails.

While checking out the area around the small pond across from Peninsula B we found a Swainson's Thrush and overhead at about 100 feet we had a great view of a Cooper's Hawk with a full crop. This hawk circled us several times giving great views. The hawk was great but the bird of the day and one not seen too often was an adult Red–headed Woodpecker that posed at the top of a Cottonwood tree.

Off we went to the outer arm and along the way saw 4 Palm Warblers and 20+ Greater Scaup and along the outer arm were 4 more Palm Warblers, 5 Horned Larks, 30+ Greater Scaup and only 1 Hooded Merganser and on the return walk along the Causeway 1 of 3 Sharp–shinned Hawks was seen and we had a total of 3 Cooper's hawks.

Other notable sightings were 48 Mute Swans (only 1 Juvenile), 2 Map Turtles, 100+ Green Darners and 30+ Monarch Butterflies along with several other butterfly species, unknown to me.

April 24, 2004

Leader: Hugh Currie

18 participants enjoyed beautiful weather. 59 species included a Long–eared Owl, 4 Dunlin, a Palm Warbler. Also a Blanding's turtle, a Spring Azure butterfly, and an exhibition from the banding station on peninsula "D". Ruby–crowned Kinglets were at their peak and Savannah Sparrows were also numerous.

October 6, 2007

Leader: Herb Elliott

Starting at Hanlan's Point, 16 participants checked the dock area and found an American Coot plus several Canada Geese and Gadwall. Following the Airport Fence, we flushed many White–throated and White–crowned Sparrows and in the bushes were several Yellow–rumped, Nashville and Black–throated Blue Warblers. A number of Sharp–shinned Hawks were seen and a Cooper’s Hawk put on a good vocal performance as it flew through the trees. An assortment of Kinglets, Nuthatches, Warblers and Creepers kept us busy. 2 Pied–billed Grebes and a Wood Duck were found at the Fish Pond and an Osprey was spotted flying overhead. The Nature Centre was quiet, apart from seeing a Kingfisher and a Great Blue Heron. With rain threatening and the sound of thunder in the distance, it was decided to return via the Centre Island Ferry. All told we observed 51 species.

October 7, 2006

Leader: Herb Elliott

Nineteen participants turned up for the 8.15. a.m. ferry to Hanlan's Point. Walking alongside the Airport fence we saw many Sparrows, Kinglets, Juncos and Winter Wrens. A Red–tailed Hawk was seen, sitting low in a tree and a Peregrine chasing a Flicker was quite a sight for all. Later a Merlin was seen, also perched in a tree. Between the fence and the lake there were Phoebes and both White–crowned and White–throated Sparrows. Four Meadowlarks flew up and three American Pipits called as they flew over the beach. There were not many ducks anywhere, but a Pied–billed Grebe and a Great Blue Heron were seen at the Fish Pond. A Great Egret was seen by some flying overhead. The weather was bright and sunny and we saw a total of 61 species before returning from Centre Island on the 3.15 p.m. ferry.

May 22, 2006

Leader: Luc Fazio

Toronto Island was cold and windy for the bird walk. The temperature started low and never rose above 10 Celsius. Hardly any songs, and some woods were "dead". Although 102 species of birds were recorded, it was hard work and the total list reflects observations from many able observers that went out of their way to dig out birds (i.e. Hugh Currie, Garth Riley, Naish McHugh, Dan Bone, Steve Favier, etc.). The existing meteorological conditions (and the previous day's 70 km/h north winds!) undoubtedly contributed to the LOW individual counts for all species recorded. Highlights: 20 species of warblers (but with low individual counts); late male Surf Scoter; two Great Egrets; one Whimbrel on the beach for all to admire; three fledged Killdeer; singing Yellow–throated Vireo. Lowlights: no towhees or nuthatches, and very few thrushes. 53 participants started at Hanlan's Point, with less than 10 ending at Ward's Island Ferry at 4 pm.

October 8, 2005

Leader: Herb Elliott

Eleven participants took the 8.15 a.m. ferry to Hanlan's Point. No–one was disappointed, because birds were everywhere; Sparrows; Kinglets; Thrushes and Juncos. A Bald Eagle was spotted, flying with six Turkey Vultures! A stop for a break on a beach was highlighted by an Osprey close by. A Northern Harrier, Orange–crowned Warbler and a Lincoln's Sparrow made the day exciting! In total, 59 species were observed.

May 23, 2005

Leader: Luc Fazio

Weather – Cloudy, late sun. 8–13C.

Cool, off the lake winds kept the insects activity and birds count low!! We worked hard to scrape up all the birds seen! Of the 19 species of Warblers observed, Parulas and Blackpolls put on a good show for all to see. Only 1 each of Scarlet Tanager and Rose–breasted Grosbeak were seen all day and only 3 species of shorebirds. A Cooper's Hawk was seen sitting on it's nest in the Wildlife Sanctuary, north of the Nature School. Not a single Nuthatch, nor Whimbrel were recorded. Although 99 species were seen in total, this is a low count for this location on this date. There were 52 participants at the start of the day.

December 6, 2008

Leader: Dave Milsom

16 attended the T.O.C. outing today to Humber Bay Park and Colonel. Sam Smith Pk. 42 species were seen, including a Snowy Owl on the boat dock at Col. Sam, Vesper and Savannah Sparrows, 4 fly‐by Northern Pintails, and an immature Northern Shrike, all at Col. Sam.

At Humber Bay Park West was a Yellow‐rumped Warbler and a Cooper's Hawk. On the east side of the park were all 3 Mergansers, Redhead Duck, Green‐winged Teal and Ring‐necked Duck, plus a Song Sparrow, a White‐crowned Sparrow and several American Tree Sparrows. A Great Blue Heron was found on Mimico Creek.

January 27, 2008

Leader: Glenn Coady

On the afternoon of Sunday, January 27, 2008, a group of 17 people joined leader Glenn Coady for a Jim Baillie Memorial Bird Walk from Sunnyside to Humber Bay Park. The outing lasted from 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. visiting Sunnyside, Humber Bay Shores and Humber Bay Park East. The afternoon was overcast, with light, south–west winds, temperature at –2C and no precipitation.

The group observed 37 species of birds with the highlights being a female Harlequin Duck and two Yellow–rumped Warblers found at Sheldon Lookout, just west of the mouth of the Humber River, and 22 Northern Shovelers and a Horned Grebe at Humber Bay Park East. Very close views of a Beaver were obtained at Humber Bay Park East.

The following species were observed (Sunnyside/Humber Shores/Humber Bay Park East = Total):

December 8, 2007

Leader: Dave Milsom

Humber Bay Park East yielded Ruddy Duck, all three Mergansers, a Killdeer near the warm water outlet, and a flock of Tree Sparrows. The western section hosted two Northern Mockingbirds, American Wigeon, both Scaup, Redhead, American Coot, and a Trumpeter Swan.

At Colonel Sam Smith Park, we found an American Pipit, three Red–necked Grebes, American Kestrel, a flock of Common Redpolls feeding on an alder tree, an elusive Winter Wren, plus an immature female Cooper’s Hawk perched in a cedar. At Grenadier Pond in High Park, a Great Blue Heron fed along the creek. A female adult Sharp–shinned Hawk was seen on D’Arcy near the hot springs.

A total of 47 species were seen.

December 9, 2006

Leader: Dave Milsom

Generally an enjoyable day of winter birding, especially in the morning where Humber Bay Park East and West held numerous waterfowl, sheltering from the strong westerlies blowing across Lake Ontario. Sir Sam Smith Park was windswept and generally unproductive. The sheltered ravines of High Park in the afternoon, however, yielded several passerines, rare for winter in the Toronto area e.g. Carolina Wren, Red–bellied Woodpecker, Red–winged Blackbird, Brown Creeper, Cooper's Hawk, White–throated Sparrow, Golden–crowned Kinglet, Lapland Longspur and Belted Kingfisher. All told 52 species of birds were seen by most of the 25 participants.

December 10, 2005

Leader: Dave Milsom

8 serious winter birders braved the cold winds along Lake Ontario and were rewarded with some good finds, including a male Harlequin Duck near the southeast point on the east side of Humber Bay Park. Also there were all 3 mergansers. On the west side 2 Savannah Sparrows flew along the beach, a Mockingbird huddled against the trunk of a conifer, both Horned and Red–necked Grebes were seen amongst the rafts of ducks. An immature Black–crowned Night Heron roosted along the river above Lakeshore Blvd.

At Colonel Sam Smith Park, off Lakeshore at the foot of Kipling Ave., several Golden–crowned Kinglets, 3 Common Loons, 3 Red–necked Grebes, a first–winter Iceland Gull, and just offshore, a first–year Black–legged Kittiwake. The latter quickly flew west and could not be relocated.