Outings Reports

Amherst Island near Kingston, OntarioTop

2014, February 1

Amherst Island near Kingston, Ontario
9:00 a.m. to late afternoon.
Leader: .

The winter outing to Amherst Island was cancelled due to severe snow warnings from Environment Canada. Hopefully, next year we will have better luck.

Bird Photography WalkTop

2019, May 18

Bird Photography Walk
7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Leader: Nancy Barrett.

Sixteen enthusiastic participants met at Col. Sam Smith Park on a cool morning to learn and try out some tips and techniques in order to locate, approach and capture bird behaviour through photography while always employing the birding code of ethics. Recommended camera settings were provided and participants learned how to become part of the landscape using natural cover and how effective stillness and patience can be whether observing or photographing birds. Although the birds were often high in the trees, they were actively foraging and singing, with a nice variety of 18 species of wood-warblers to practice on for much of the morning. Nesting Red-necked Grebes and Tree Swallows also made for nice subjects. After the wrap-up, several participants continued with us to Whimbrel Point to visit the watch (no whimbrels, unfortunately). We managed 58 species in all. Our group included a few sharp-eyed birders, very helpful with so many migrants present. Thanks to co-leader Adam Solomon for his assistance and spotting skills, and to all the participants for their eagerness to learn and patience with the tricky light and sometimes recalcitrant subjects.

Colonel Samuel Smith ParkTop

2019, May 25

Colonel Samuel Smith Park
7:30 a.m. to noon
Leader: Kevin Seymour.

The timing of this walk could not have been worse this year. On Friday they had something like 5500 Whimbrels go through and on Sunday there were more Whimbrels, as well as over 4000 shorebirds of diverse species. But on Saturday when this walk was to be held, there was heavy rain in the morning, shortly after the walk started, so all participants bailed on me by 8:30 am. Forty Whimbrel went through at 6 am before the walk started, and even the Whimbrel watchers went home by about 8:15 am due to the rain, so no Whimbrels were seen by any participants of this walk this year. A total of 33 species were entered on the eBird checklist (# S56718192, already shared with the TOC account), which is low given the location and the time of year, but not bad given the short duration of the walk. There were no particular highlights, and only seven warbler species were seen in this short time. Four of the seven participants were TOC members, including one new member

2015, May 24

Colonel Samuel Smith Park
7:30 am to noon
Leader: .

A total of 22 birders gathered for the traditional "Whimbrel Walk" in the parking lot at 7:30 a.m. The skies were clear with winds light from the southwest and temperature about 18°C (a perfect day). No sooner had we started the outing when we had approximately 50 Whimbrels fly directly over the parking lot. What a way to start our outing! We saw 62 species with the highlights being the best views and displays of Whimbrels (approximately 500). Other highlight species included Wilson's Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Philadelphia Vireo, and Orchard Orioles. There were several new birders on this outing. The signtings have been entered into eBird and were shared with the Club.

2014, May 25

Colonel Samuel Smith Park
7:30 a.m. - noon.
Leader: .

A total of 24 participants enjoyed a beautiful day at the park. The temperature was 20 degrees with very light winds and sunny, clear blue skies. A perfect day! A total of 67 species was seen. The bird sightings have been recorded in eBird for the official record. The group visited the folks at Whimbrel Point who were engaged in the annual Whimbrel Watch. While we were there the group saw several large flocks of Dunlins and Black-bellied Plovers. The highlights of the outing were several flocks of Whimbrels seen flying over Lake Ontario. Other highlights included several Canada Warblers, Tennessee Warblers, Blue-winged Warbler and Gray-cheeked Thrush, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos. A few of our party saw a smaller cormorant flying with a flock of many "normal sized" Double-crested Cormorants. This bird was determined to be a Neotropic Cormorant.

2013, May 26

Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Sunday 7:30 a.m. - noon.
Leader: .

A total of about 35 birders enjoyed a morning of birding under sunny, blue skies. The winds were light and the air temperature was 10 to 18 degrees C. This outing was scheduled to try to catch the peak of the Whimbrel migration. Unfortunately, no Whimbrels were seen by the group during the morning period. The group visited the Whimbrel Point and had a visit with Don Barnett who gave us a brief talk about the Whimbrel migration. A total of 70 bird species were seen or heard during the outing. Three nesting Red necked Grebes were observed in the inner harbour. Flycatchers (Eastern Wood-Peewee, Alder, Willow, Least Flycatchers and Eastern Kingbird) were seen and heard. The Cliff Swallows were observed nesting under the eaves of the buildings to the north and west of the park. Warbler species included a Golden-winged, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Green, Yellow-rumped, Canada, Wilson’s, Blackpoll, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, and numerous Yellow Warblers. Highlights for the outing were 2 Black Crowned Night-Herons and 2 Green Herons (in flight) and a very late Golden-crowned Kinglet.

2012, May 19

Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
Leader: .

Our outing started at 7:30 am with 30+ birders gathering at the southern parking lot of Colonel Samuel Smith Park. The weather was beautiful with warm temperatures, clear skies and calm winds.

We first ventured down to the lake so that everyone could see the first year male King Eider (who posed for photos on the shoreline). With our eyes ever skyward, we unfortunately, did not see any Whimbrels - nor were any seen at the Whimbrel Watch.

Some highlights of our outing included the Eider, Wilson's Warbler, Blackpolls, Canada Warblers, and a Gray Cheeked Thrush. Many in our group enjoyed seeing the nesting Red Necked Grebes and viewing their eggs as the adult readjusted.

The trip leaders would like to thank all of the expert birders who were on this outing for their help in spotting, listening and identification skills. It certainly made the outing very enjoyable for everyone.

2011, May 21

Colonel Samuel Smith Park

Leader: .

A total of 71 species were recorded on the walk by 31 participants. There was a good diversity of migrants scattered throughout the park but unfortunately no Whimbrels were seen. 17 species of warbler were present, including Tennessee, Northern Parula, Black-throated Blue, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Ovenbird, Wilson's and Canada.

A major highlight was a Least Bittern seen well by the entire group. Other birds of interest included Common Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Common Moorhen, Willow Flycatcher, Gray Catbird, Scarlet Tanager, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Bobolink and Orchard Oriole. – Steven Favier

2010, May 22

Colonel Samuel Smith Park

Leader: .

A total of 51 species were recorded on the walk by 26 participants. 9 species of warbler were present, including Yellow, Magnolia, Black–throated Green, Blackpoll, Black–and–White, Canada, American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, and Common Yellowthroat. A small flock of Whimbrel was seen at the start of the walk, flying fairly high. Other shorebirds present were Killdeer and Spotted Sandpiper.

A pair of Red–necked Grebes had built a nest of vegetation on top of a small wooden raft near the shore. Other birds of interest seen or heard included Common Loon, Willow Flycatcher, Carolina Wren, Veery, Gray Catbird, Savannah Sparrow, and Orchard Oriole. – Steven Favier

2009, May 23

Colonel Samuel Smith Park

Leader: .

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.

2007, May 19

Colonel Samuel Smith Park

Leader: .

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.

2004, May 22

Colonel Samuel Smith Park

Leader: .

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.

Durham RegionTop

2015, January 25

Durham Region
9 am to late afternoon
Leader: .

A total of 19 brave birders weathered a bone-chilling -14°C temperature (wind chill -22°C). The group spent the morning birding areas where we could stay out of the wind. The following areas were visited and the highlights of the outing were:

Cranberry Marsh: White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated Sparrows and Common Raven.

Lynde Shores Conservation Area: Red-bellied Woodpecker, White-throated Sparrows, Red-tailed Hawk that hunts squirrels, and the overwintering flock of Brown-headed Cowbirds.

Thickson’s Woods: Harlequin Duck, and Cooper's Hawk.

Whitby Harbour: 3000 sleeping Canada Geese.

2014, January 26

Durham Region
9:00 a.m. to late afternoon.
Leader: .

There were 12 participants on this year’s winter outing to Durham Region. At 8 a.m. it was -22 degrees with a strong northwest wind. Our first stop was at Moore Point where we had a Northern Mockingbird and a few ducks. Next we visited Rotary Park in Ajax where a Northern Harrier was hunting the marsh. At Halls Road there was a Song Sparrow and a White-throated Sparrow in amongst the winter sparrow flock.

After lunch at Tim Hortons we checked Whitby Harbour. There was one Iceland Gull among the small group of gulls. The harbour was 80% frozen, so there were very few ducks this year. At Thickson’s Woods the Great Horned Owl was in the same tree that it was in last year. With the arrival of the forecast snow storm we called it a day. A total of 34 species was recorded for the day. These sightings were recorded in eBird.

2013, January 27

Durham Region
Sunday 9:00 a.m. - early afternoon.
Leader: .

21 members and non-members enjoyed a fun day of winter birding under mostly sunny skies and in relatively benign temperatures, certainly compared to the previous week's Arctic chill! The day got off to a great start at Frenchman's Bay when a Snowy Owl flew from a lamp standard, across the ice, and perched at the top of a nearby spruce tree, giving all in the group wonderful looks at this lovely bird. From there we headed to the village of Whitevale, with a stop along the way to observe a flock of approximately 150 Mourning Doves, and a much smaller and more skittish group of Red-winged Blackbirds. North of Whitevale, patience was eventually rewarded when the over-wintering first year Red-headed Woodpecker eventually emerged and was seen well by all. Our next stop was back at the lakeshore, at Corner Marsh, where we scanned a large flock of Canada Geese on the water, but could not locate the Greater White-fronted Goose that had been seen recently. After a lunch break, we went to Whitby Mental Health Centre in search of a pair of Harlequin Ducks, and our quest was successful as we had great views of the pair repeatedly diving and resurfacing just a short distance offshore, going in and out of a flock of Canada Geese. The day concluded at Thickson's Woods, where highlights included Great Horned Owl, a pair of American Kestrels, a Northern Mockingbird, Common Redpolls and an adult Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon overhead, resulting in 44 total species observed during the trip. Many thanks to Rayfield Pye for leading the outing in his usual well-organized and thoroughly-researched manner.

Sarah Box

2012, January 29

Durham Region
Sunday 9:00 a.m. - early afternoon.
Leader: .

A group of 16 birders enjoyed a very pleasant outing in Durham region, beginning under sunny skies and relatively mild temperatures for late January. The abnormally mild winter meant that some species normally hoped for on this trip, particularly winter finches, were not in evidence, but there were plenty of other birds to entertain us. Our first stop was at Frenchman's Bay in Pickering, where there was almost no ice in the bay. Consistent with observations reported elsewhere in southern Ontario, we found some apparently early-returning migrant ducks, including two Ring-necked Ducks, two Green-winged Teal and several Northern Pintail, amongst a large flock of waterfowl. Some of the group saw both Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull. We moved on to Hall's Road, where a Song Sparrow lingered obligingly in open view, alongside several American Tree Sparrows, and a Northern Shrike was briefly seen as we left. Our next stop was at Lynde Creek Conservation Area, where we saw a Sharp-shinned Hawk in flight, alarming the local mob of Black-capped Chickadees. Following lunch, we went on to Whitby Harbour, which was completely open and filled with over 2,000 Canada Geese, amongst which were found several dozen Mute Swans, smaller numbers of Trumpeter Swans, and several of the usual duck species as well as a pair of American Wigeon and a distant American Coot. A stop at the bridge on Watson St yielded a wintering Belted Kingfisher and a small flock of Red-winged Blackbirds. The day concluded at Thickson's Woods, where one of the resident Great Horned Owls was seen and even briefly took flight, high above us in the historic white pines. As usual, it was convivial company and we were fortunate that the forecast snow held off until after the end of the outing! Many thanks to Rayfield Pye for leading the outing. -Sarah Box

2011, September 25

Durham Region

Leader: .

Five participants joined us to explore the Durham Region wetlands. The day was gorgeous - well almost too gorgeous - as the intense sun pounded down on the forests and fields. Despite this, with some digging, 62 species were recorded by the group.

There are so many great areas to visit in Durham that Geoff had to pick and choose the locales to be checked. The group went to Hydro Marsh (Pickering), Duffin's Creek and Carruther's Creek (Ajax), Cranberry Marsh and Lynde Creek (Whitby) and Second Marsh (Oshawa).

<

p>Highlights included:

  • 9 Great Egrets - 3 each at Duffin's Creek, Second Marsh and Lynde Creek
  • 3 Long-billed Dowitchers at Lynde Creek
  • One very small tantalizing Canada type Goose - flying over Pickering GO Station
  • 2 Merlins at Duffin's Creek
  • 4 Solitary Sandpipers at Hydro Marsh
  • 7 species of Warbler including one Blackpoll

In addition, hundreds of Monarchs were observed, mostly sitting on the myriad goldenrod and New England Asters. Can't wait until next year - hope the weather is worse (well slightly!). – Geoff Carpentier

2011, January 30

Durham Region

Leader: .

16 participants enjoyed a cold but mostly sunny day ranging across Durham region, finding a total of more than 40 species. Early highlights included two Swamp Sparrows at Hall's Road, followed by a Brown Creeper, a Red-bellied Woodpecker and a small group of over-wintering Red-winged Blackbirds at Lynde Shores Conservation Area. At Whitby Harbour the group was delighted to see a first winter male Harlequin Duck amongst a mixed group of waterfowl including Redheads, Common Goldeneye, Greater Scaup and four Trumpeter Swans. A few minutes later when the flock of gulls took off from the ice, the source of the disturbance was found to be an immature Bald Eagle soaring above in the bright winter sun. A Northern Harrier was seen at the harbour and it may have been the same bird we saw a few minutes later at Watson's St. Bridge, where some members of the group also saw a Northern Mockingbird. Thickson's Woods was relatively quiet, and Oshawa Harbour was frozen over. The trip concluded on a high note when a flock of 30 or more Horned Larks, and a single Snow Bunting, were seen on agricultural fields between Courtice Road and Hancock Road. Many thanks to Rayfield Pye for leading the outing. – Sarah Box

2009, February 8

Durham Region

Leader: .

20+ participants. Highlights were Northern Saw-whet Owl; Northern Shrike; Lapland Longspur; Horned Lark.

2008, February 3

Durham Region

Leader: .

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.

2005, February 5

Durham Region

Leader: .

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.

2004, February 7

Durham Region

Leader: .

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.

Durham Waterfront, Pickering-Oshawa Second MarshTop

2015, October 17

Durham Waterfront, Pickering-Oshawa Second Marsh
8:00 a.m. to afternoon
Leader: .

Ten members of the Toronto Ornithological Club joined me along the Durham waterfront today for a bird walk that took us from Duffin’s Marsh in Ajax to Oshawa Second Marsh. An excellent raptor flight was noted. ....

The weather was cool but perfect. We saw 56 species including:

-1 Hudsonian Godwit -1 Great Egret -19 species of waterfowl including Redhead, Long-tailed Duck, Lesser Scaup and Ring-necked Duck and a lingering Blue-winged Teal -1 Pied-billed Grebe -7 species of raptors: 180+ Turkey Vultures, 2 Bald Eagles, 3 Northern Harriers, 13 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 1 Osprey, 5 Red-shouldered Hawks, and 15 Red-tailed Hawks -25 American Coots -2 American Pipits

2015, October 17

Durham Waterfront, Pickering-Oshawa Second Marsh
8:00 a.m. to afternoon
Leader: .

Ten members of the TOC joined me along the Durham waterfront for a bird walk that took us from Duffins Creek Marsh in Ajax to Oshawa Second Marsh. An excellent raptor flight was noted. The day began with a good show by a long-staying immature Bald Eagle at the mouth of Duffins Creek. When it flew all the ducks and the only Lesser Yellowlegs we saw all day flew like crazy! But when it landed again all was peaceful. Pipits overhead challenged the eyes and ears of many while a late Osprey was a treat.

From here we went to Cranberry Marsh and watched a few migrant hawks as they travelled past the hawk watch. Hundreds of ducks joined a Great Egret and the lingering Hudsonian Godwit that had been here for a several days now. The trip then moved to Oshawa Second Marsh where the water put a damper on the waterfowl viewing, but overhead hundreds of raptors moved past. A walk to the lake was pleasant as we checked out Cool Hollow but it produced little except a few Long-tailed Ducks.

The weather was cool but perfect and of course the company was excellent. We saw 56 species. The sightings were entered into eBird and shared with the Club.

2014, October 18

Durham Waterfront, Pickering-Oshawa Second Marsh
8 a.m. to afternoon
Leader: .

Six birders joined me as we scoured the Durham waterfront looking for lingering and migrating birds. The weather tricked us as the forecast said it would be a nasty, gusty day, but it turned out to be quite nice. Although I did wear gloves for part of the day – shocking for October and a bit wimpy on my part, but toasty! We visited the Duffins Creek Marsh in Ajax, the Cranberry Hawk Watch, Oshawa Harbour and Second Marsh.

Among the 58 species found, the highlight was an adult Pacific Loon in almost complete alternate (breeding) plumage. It was with 175+ Common Loons (in virtually every plumage imaginable), 1500 Red-breasted Mergansers and several White-winged Scoters, a Long-tailed Duck and many cormorants. The Long-tailed Duck was originally found last Wednesday and had been seen intermittently in the same place at least for part of each day since. The bird disappeared shortly after we saw it and was not relocated - so we were pretty lucky!

Other birds included 51 Turkey Vultures, six to eight Northern Harriers, two Sharp-shinned Hawks, one Cooper’s Hawk, two Red-tailed Hawks, two American Kestrels and a Merlin. A single Greater Yellowlegs was the only shorebird. Passerines were scarce but 101 American Pipits and several Rusty Blackbirds helped out.

Durham waterfront continues to be a wonderful place to bird in any season as the variety of habitat and the abundance of birds is exceptional.

2013, September 22

Durham Waterfront, Pickering-Oshawa Second Marsh
8:00 a.m. to afternoon
Leader: .

Fourteen TOC members and guests joined Geoff Carpentier on an outing along the Durham waterfront. Conditions were perfect for a good day as northwest winds and bright, slightly cloudy skies made viewing easy. Fifty-seven species were spotted along the route. Geoff took the attendees to Sobey's Ponds, Duffins Creek, Halls Road/Cranberry Marsh, Pringle Creek, Cool Hollow and Second Marsh.

Highlights included a Bald Eagle, Broad-winged and Red-shouldered Hawks, Great Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron, American Bittern, Wilson's Snipe, Palm Warbler, American Pipit and Rusty Blackbird.

2012, September 23

Durham Waterfront, Pickering-Oshawa Second Marsh
Sunday 8:00 a.m. - afternoon.
Leader: .

A small but intrepid group of birders fought all odds and joined Geoff Carpentier as we scoured part of the Durham waterfront for lingering migrants. A total of 63 species were seen at Cranberry Hawk Watch, Second Marsh and Duffin's Creek wetland. Highlights included wonderful looks at a Marbled Godwit at Second Marsh and distant looks at many Pectoral and 5 Stilt Sandpipers there as well. A total of 7 sandpipers, 13 waterfowl, 7 raptors, 6 warblers, and 3 heron species made for a great day. A total of 1874 Blue Jays presented a spectacle not soon to be forgotten! Hopefully next year more birders can attend and enjoy this wonderful biridng area.

Earl Bales ParkTop

2019, May 19

Earl Bales Park
7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Leader: Leslie Kinrys.

There were 33 participants on the May 19th walk at Earl Bales Park. Joining us were TOC members, people who had never been on a bird walk, and local birders who were delighted to have a walk that was close to them. The weather was beautiful, with a sunny sky, calm winds and temperatures that started at 12 C and went up to 19C. People were very enthusiastic and pointed out many birds. We had a total of 55 species seen, among which were 14 warbler species. Highlights were: a Olive-sided Flycatcher; four Scarlet Tanagers, and Canada, Bay-breasted and Wilson's warblers.

High Park FallTop

2015, September 6

High Park Fall
8:00 a.m. to noon
Leader: .

Sunday, September 6 was a sunny, hot, humid day, but 19 participants joined me and my husband for the outing in High Park. We saw 30 species, with most of the birds giving good looks. Wood Ducks were the most common bird sighted with a total number of 52. Other species included a Green-winged Teal (thanks to Howard Shapiro), a Spotted Sandpiper and a Northern Waterthrush. Of course, we had a "Bay-poll" (unidentifiable) Warber, which puzzled us. The participants were a big help in pointing out birds and sharing information about the park. A special thank you goes to Dave Purcell for being a mentor to this first-time-outing leader. The sightings from this outing were input by the leader into eBird and shared with the Club.

High ParkTop

2014, September 6

High Park
8 a.m. to noon
Leader: .

Ten observers attended the TOC Fall outing to High Park. This was my third year leading the outing and first in which we didn't get totally rained out, so the trip was already a success before we had even seen a bird.

I had hoped that the previous night's cold front and rain had grounded many migrants, but this didn't seem to be the case. We had to work fairly hard to come up with any migrants and those we did find were located in the tree tops, making for some tough-on-the-neck birding.

The undoubted highlight of the morning was an Eastern Screech-Owl that we found being mobbed by a small group of birds. We even heard it calling a few times! Other highlights included three Solitary Sandpipers, many Wood Ducks, Eastern Wood-Pewees still feeding young, and a few migrant warblers.

Thanks to all who attended for a great morning. The eBird checklist can be found here .

High Park FallTop

2013, September 7

High Park Fall
8:00 a.m. to afternoon
Leader: .

For the second year in a row, the TOC Fall Outing to High Park experienced rainy weather. However, the rain at the start of the outing this year was light enough that 29 intrepid observers were willing to set out in search of birds. The rain soon picked up, making it tough to find any passerines. However, the water birds didn't seem to mind the weather and the group was treated to views of 3 species of heron (Green, Black-Crowned Night and Great Blue), many Wood Ducks and a couple Ospreys. A large group of Chimney Swifts over Grenadier Pond was a nice sight as well. Thanks to all the participants!

2012, September 8

High Park Fall
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 12 noon.
Leader: .

Unfortunately, heavy rain meant that the TOC's scheduled outing in High Park on September 8th became the first official "washout" in at least the last five years, as the three members who assembled at 8am concluded that there was no realistic prospect of seeing anything in the wet conditions! Thanks to Gavin Platt for volunteering to lead the outing.

2011, September 10

High Park Fall

Leader: .

A total of 40 species was recorded on the walk by 26 participants. Migrant numbers were relatively low and were scattered throughout the park. Only 7 species of warbler were present and included Tennessee, Northern Parula, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-and-white and Wilson's.

The small duck ponds had a tame Great Blue Heron, several tame Wood Ducks, 2 Black-crowned Night-Herons and a Belted Kingfisher. Other birds of interest included Common Loon, Broad- winged Hawk, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Gray Catbird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a late Indigo Bunting. – Steven Favier

2010, September 11

High Park Fall

Leader: .

A total of 48 species were recorded on the walk by 21 participants. Most migrants were concentrated in the north end of the park. 11 species of warbler were present including Tennessee, Nashville, Chestnut–sided, Magnolia, Black–throated Green, Blackburnian, Palm, Bay–breasted, Black–and–white, Wilson's and American Redstart.

A Common Nighthawk was seen well, sitting on a large branch. An Olive–sided Flycatcher was also seen, chasing Eastern Wood–Pewees away from its favourite perch. The small duck ponds had several Great Blue Herons, Double–crested Cormorants and Wood Ducks. Other birds of interest included Ruby–throated Hummingbird, Blue–headed and Philadelphia Vireos, Blue–gray Gnatcatcher, Swainson's Thrush and White–throated Sparrow. – Steven Favier

2009, September 12

High Park Fall

Leader: .

21 participants. 47 species, with highlights of 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds; 1 Blackburnian Warbler; 1 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.

2007, September 15

High Park Fall

Leader: .

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.

2005, September 17

High Park Fall

Leader: .

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.

2004, September 18

High Park Fall

Leader: .

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.

High Park SpringTop

2019, May 11

High Park Spring
7:30 a.m. to noon
Leader: Tim McCarthy, Ian Maione.

A day of fine weather, albeit a bit cool to start (11) brought out a pretty good count of birders ranging form Newbies to old Hands.We started at the Nature Centre,went west along the Dogpath, through the south end of the Allotment garden, across Centre road and down the hill to the Zoo parking lot. From there we crossed Spring Road and followed it back up the hill to West Road. The route offered terrain which was not too demanding, yet diversified in habitats, with timely situated rest and relief spots along the way. Because of the cool weather, Warbler species started off scarce but increased later in the day when the Temperature warmed up a little and the bugs came out. Highlights were a Cooper's Hawk female perched tantalizingly close to her nest, which we never found, the 2 Baby Great Horned Owls sitting above the trail just down from the Theatre in plain view (quite a distance from their now-abandoned nest), and lots of opportunities to bird by ear as there was a great many calls to be heard. There were no rarities to be seen other than perhaps the Golden-Winged Warbler which Adam C. found. The Clay -coloured sparrow previously reported was not seen. It seemed to me that there was only about half the migrant species present for the time of year likely due to the cold spring we've had so far. On the increase - Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher and Red-Bellied Woodpecker, both much welcomed, and the Merlin, seen by members of another outing, leads me to believe that, for better or worse, that Rascal will soon be breeding in High Park.

2015, May 10

High Park Spring
7:30 am to noon
Leader: .

Twenty birders gathered for an outing in Toronto's High Park. The weather forecast, which had hinted at possible fallout conditions (clear in the first half of the night and then rain later) had not come to pass, and birds were generally widely scattered in small numbers. The cherry blossoms (blooming rather late this year compared to the last few years) had attracted large numbers of people, and that certainly interfered with finding birds in many areas.

We made it to 56 species, including 11 warbler species, but many, including a Cape May Warbler, were singles only and not seen by everyone in the group. A possible mated pair of Pine Warblers put on quite a show at eye level, including what looked like the collection of nesting material, in the area just east of the outdoor theatre. Over in the allotment gardens, three Pine Siskins were a nice surprise coming in to a platform feeder. We managed to locate one female Orchard Oriole, but some birds one might expect to easily find at this time of year, such as Nashville Warbler and Red-eyed Vireo, were not found. Less likely finds for High Park included Green Heron, Eastern Kingbird, and Wood Thrush. Migration was certainly happening for some species, as we saw at least 20 Common Loons flying overhead (not all in the same direction, either) and easily ten times that number of Blue Jays in multiple flocks, flying overhead, in the canopy, and near ground level.

The species identified during the outing were entered into eBird and shared with the Club.

High ParkTop

2014, May 11

High Park
7:30 a.m. - noon.
Leader: .

A group of 20 birders enjoyed sunny but cool Mother's Day weather in High Park. Clear conditions throughout the previous night meant that many migrants were able to keep going north without a stopover in the park. A total of 55 species was found, including 12 warbler species, but mostly in small numbers. Activity was concentrated in only a few spots with very quiet spaces in between. One area near the outdoor theatre had great variety including Cape May Warbler, Orchard Oriole, female Scarlet Tanager, and singing Northern Parulas. All of the bird sightings have been entered into eBird for the official records.

High Park SpringTop

2013, May 11

High Park Spring
Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
Leader: .

A total of 37 birders participated in the TOC outing at High Park on May 11, 2013. A total of 47 species were seen or heard. Conditions were quite cool for mid-May, and migrant numbers were fairly low, as poor weather the previous evening blocked most potential new arrivals. We started out well with a Bay-breasted Warbler but other than numerous Yellow-rumped Warblers, there were only ones and twos per species of just 9 warbler species in total. Several White-crowned Sparrows were well seen and heard as well amongst more numerous White-throated Sparrows. Several Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were present, including a female on a platform feeder in the allotment gardens and a singing male that wasn't too high up and stayed in place long enough for everyone to get a good view. Orchard Orioles were not found in the usual area at the baser of the Hillside Gardens (or anywhere else!). A beautiful male Red-bellied Woodpecker was seen on the side of a dead tree trunk drilling a hole. Wood Ducks are now nearly tame and easily observable at close range on the shores of Grenandier Pond. An Overbird was singing quite loudly but was not seen.

2012, May 5

High Park Spring
Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
Leader: .

On Saturday May 5, 2012 a group of 49 participants plus leader attended the annual Jim Baillie Memorial Bird Walk in High Park. As is often the case this time of year there were fewer birds around than during the previous 2 days - there had been a major fallout on Thursday and Friday, but with clear skies overnight Friday, most birds had flown north towards their breeding grounds. There were still enough birds around, though, to make everyone happy!

At the end of the outing we tallied 68 species, including 13 species of warblers. Best warbler was a close-up female Cape May while we were doing the final tally at noon. Participants were excited to see 3 male Orchard Orioles, including a first year male, at the Hillside Gardens where this species breeds annually. A calling Red-bellied Woodpecker was seen, and Gnatcatchers were heard everywhere (we counted 12 of them!). Pine Warblers were on territory, including 2 singing males and a drab form female. A total of 22 Wood Ducks were counted throughout the park, where they're now a common breeder.

The highlight of the day was a male Canvasback. I saw this species for the first time ever in High Park on April 24 this year - a male and a female were observed investigating the marshes at the southwest corner of Grenadier Pond. In the week prior to Saturday's outing I saw only the male here. On Saturday's outing we observed the male swim to the south shore of the pond and walk into the marsh. I strongly suspect the female Canvasback is sitting on a nest here. If so, and if any young survive, it would be a great breeding record for High Park! They have previously bred in Toronto only at the Leslie St. Spit.

2011, May 7

High Park Spring

Leader: .

42 participants took part in the annual early May bird walk in High Park. 65 bird species were seen, including 9 species of warbler. Overall numbers of migrants were low for the date with just single individuals being recorded for 7 warbler species. Many birds had flown overnight. There were virtually no thrushes or flycatchers. However, several Warbling Vireos were on territory where there had been none the day before, and breeding Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were common throughout. Flocks of Blue Jays were noted flying over the park.

We did see some crowd-pleasers, including Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Baltimore Orioles and the prerequisite breeding Orchard Oriole at the Hillside Gardens. A pair of resident Cooper's Hawks were observed in nuptial fight at the latter location. There were enough birds to please everyone. The most unusual sighting was an American Woodcock flushed in a busy area at the north end of the park at the beginning of our walk. This species is not known to breed in High Park. With our cooler than average spring could this have been a late migrant?(!) – Bob Yukich

2010, May 1

High Park Spring

Leader: .

On Saturday, May 1, following a major fallout of migrants the previous day, 50 participants observed 64 species of birds in High Park, the highlight of which was a singing male Cerulean Warbler seen well by the entire group near Colborne Lodge. Other notable species included a singing Golden-winged Warbler in the northwest corner of the park, a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a male Purple Finch, three male Orchard Orioles, including a first year male, all on territory at the Hillside Gardens, and eight other warbler species. Throughout the morning the sky was filled with large flocks of migrating Blue Jays heading northeast. Six Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were observed on territority throughout the park, including a pair building a nest, and an adult female Red-tailed Hawk was observed incubating eggs on a nest. The trip concluded at lunchtime just before a heavy downpour - not enough to dampen the spirits of a group of happy birders! – Bob Yukich

2009, May 2

High Park Spring

Leader: .

43 participants. 66 species, with highlights of 3 male Orchard Orioles; 1 Ovenbird.

2006, May 6

High Park Spring

Leader: .

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.

2005, May 7

High Park Spring

Leader: .

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.

2004, May 1

High Park Spring

Leader: .

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.

Humber Bay Park EastTop

2019, April 28

Humber Bay Park East
7:30 a.m. to noon
Leader: Howard Shapiro.

On Sunday, April 28th about 20 birders gathered under mostly cloudy skies and brisk temperatures of 3 Celsius which according to Environment Canada felt like -4 windchill. We had a good variety of expected birds for this location at this time of year winding up with 54 species for the day. Grebes both Red-necked and Horned were a highlight of the day for many of the group offering close up views and good comparisons. We had one Common Loon flyby high overhead along with 2 Great Egrets who flew by much closer and afforded us good looks. There were many Ruby-crowned Kinglets (but no Golden-crowned). After completing a circuit around Humber Bay West a few hardy souls continued on to Humber Bay West. We were rewarded with good weather as the sun had come out and a welcome stop at Birds and Beans to warm up and have a snack. At Humber Bay West we saw number of birds seen at raptor watches including a Red-tailed Hawk and Turkey Vultures. A Belted-Kingfisher was our last bird of the day. Thanks to Justin Peter for all his help on the trip including spotting a number of good birds and helping other people on the trip in addition to myself.

2015, May 3

Humber Bay Park East
7:30 am to noon
Leader: .

Twenty birders ventured out from Humber Bay East parking lot at 7:30 a.m. The temperature was 18ºC and the day was partly cloudy with light southwest winds.

Following the pattern of recent days, the arrival of the usual late April /early May migrants is behind schedule. Unfavorable weather for grounding along the shoreline (overnight rains, warm fronts) is responsible for low numbers of transient species.

Our total of 38 species included a few Yellow-rumped Warblers which are behind schedule (the only warbler species recorded today). A Red-bellied Woodpecker was seen well and heard. They have been turning up at numerous local locations for the first time. Diving ducks had departed with the exception of several hundred Long-tailed Ducks. American Robins and Red-winged Blackbirds were abundant everywhere. Nesting evidence for the former and Mute Swans was noted. The sightings for this outing have been entered into eBird and shared with the Club.

Lambton Woods FallTop

2015, September 20

Lambton Woods Fall
8:00 a.m. to noon
Leader: .

A Saturday afternoon rainstorm ushered in a cold front and an end to humid conditions. On Sunday, a group of 20 birders enjoyed a cool but sunny morning with light winds. Our list of 42 species was highlighted by a pair of Long-billed Dowitchers on the mudflats of the Humber River a short distance north of James Gardens. They were observed at close range by the group for about 15 minutes. Note that this is a new species for this location. On our return an hour later the birds were gone.

Small numbers of five warbler, three vireo and four woodpecker species were sighted. The weather was unfavourable for any movement of raptors but we did record a Turkey Vulture, a Cooper’s Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk. The sightings were entered into eBird and shared with Club.

Lambton WoodsTop

2014, September 21

Lambton Woods
8 a.m. to noon
Leader: .

Heavy rain early in the day kept all but one participant away. It let up, ending by 10 a.m. followed by a mix of sun and cloud. Birds were hard to find, limited to 19 species (none of note). The only migrants observed were a few White-throated Sparrows and one male American Redstart.

Lambton Woods FallTop

2013, September 21

Lambton Woods Fall
8:00 a.m. to noon
Leader: .

Persistent heavy rain overnight continued throughout the morning, occasionally being reduced to lighter showers. As expected due to the dreary weather (15 C and light winds, rain), I was greeted by a record low two observers. Our coverage of the area was reduced somewhat and terminated at 11 a. m. A total of 20 species was observed. There were no migrants and limited activity on the part of the birds that we did record.

2011, September 24

Lambton Woods Fall

Leader: .

It was a perfect day for fall birding: beautiful weather after a couple of days of rain. Fifteen participants (of which only four were TOC members) were capably led by Don Burton, to see a total of 43 species. Don was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable about the area, including the timing of migration. All morning, Blue Jays streamed overhead in small groups of one to two dozen; at least 200 individuals were seen. After a walk north of the parking lot along the bicycle trail, where a Hooded Merganser on the Humber River and a skulking Lincoln's Sparrow were the highlights, the group stumbled upon a celebration of a local Korean woman who had championed the planting of many Rose of Sharon bushes in the parking area. The Koreans (including the daughter and granddaughter of the woman being celebrated) insisted that we partake in their abundant and interesting Korean goodies, and so we decided to give Don credit for "arranging" this surprise! He demurred only slightly. Subsequently, we walked south of the parking lot through some of James Gardens and a section of Lambton Woods. Highlights included nine warbler species (including a Northern Parula), a Scarlet Tanager and two migrating Sharp-shinned Hawks. Having never been to this area before, I will surely re-visit it again in the future. Many thanks to Don for leading this hike! – Kevin Seymour

2009, September 19

Lambton Woods Fall

Leader: .

15 participants. 46 species, with highlights of 1 Broad-winged Hawk; 1 Philadelphia Vireo; 1 Northern Parula.

2005, September 10

Lambton Woods Fall

Leader: .

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.

Lambton WoodsTop

2014, May 4

Lambton Woods
7:30 a.m. - noon.
Leader: .

Twenty-four birders participated in the outing to Lambton Woods. The weather was cloudy, cool and very windy (west at 25 km/h) with temperatures around 9 C. There was a complete absence of warblers or any other May migrants. This lack was disappointing but was attributed to the unfavourable weather. A total of 34 species of only common birds was sighted. The sightings have been entered into eBird by the Records Committee.

Lambton Woods SpringTop

2013, May 4

Lambton Woods Spring
Saturday 7:30 a.m. - noon.
Leader: .

As expected due to the recent stretch of sunny, warm weather (15 to 20 C) (winds S 10) migrants were hard to find. Our list of 44 species was dominated by recent resident arrivals. About 30 birders enjoyed the outing.

Noteworthy observations included Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, (one carrying nesting material to a lofty branch near the river), a lone Lesser Yellowlegs beside a Spotted Sandpiper sitting on a log on an island in the river, a pair of Wood Ducks in the small pond adjacent to the parking lot and two Red-bellied Woodpeckers (year round residents in recent years).

2012, May 12

Lambton Woods Spring
Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
Leader: .

<

p>Participants: 21. It was an absolutely beautiful spring morning: sunny and 12C, rising to 25C by noon, when a few clouds rolled in. A total of 58 bird species were seen or heard. However, it seems most of the migrants left the night before! Besides the local residents, only 13 warbler species were found, and most of these were singing singletons, not seen by most of the group. The only warbler present in any number were the local Yellow Warblers. Most unusual were a fairly cooperative Northern Parula (although high up in a Red Oak, so not easily seen), singing male Wilson's and Tennessee Warblers (not seen by most) and a singing Northern Waterthrush, heard by all but not seen any anyone. It was a day to know your bird songs! Nevertheless, a good time was had by all, even if the resident Pileated Woodpeckers did not put in a showing.

2010, May 8

Lambton Woods Spring

Leader: .

13 participants assembled at Lambton Woods despite blustery winds, which resulted in migrant warblers being mostly absent due to unfavourable weather overnight. Nevertheless, 42 species were observed in total, including Common Loon, Solitary Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, four species of woodpecker including Red-bellied, and both Orchard and Baltimore Orioles. – Sarah Box

2009, May 9

Lambton Woods Spring

Leader: .

20 participants. 40 species, with the highlight of a nesting Red-bellied Woodpecker.

2005, May 21

Lambton Woods Spring

Leader: .

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.

Leslie Street Spit FallTop

2015, September 12

Leslie Street Spit Fall
8:00 a.m. to afternoon
Leader: .

A group of ten birders (including two very young and enthusiastic participants) joined this excursion on what was originally forecast to be a rainy and perhaps unpleasant morning. The rain would not even last 20 minutes and within that time we received a favourable warbler forecast as the shrubbery by our meeting point was already producing warblers with little effort on our part, including quite good views of Wilson’s Warblers. Over the course of the outing, we would intercept cells of several warblers each, affording excellent practice at fall warbler identification including several Bay-breasted and Blackpoll Warblers. The berm at Embayment D would prove to be particularly productive for warblers, producing a surprise late Yellow Warbler among a smorgasbord of other species. The advent of “duck season” was marked here by the return of a variety of species including Green-winged Teal and American Widgeon, the males of most species still very much in eclipse. Shorebirds (other than Killdeer) were disappointingly sparse. Just two peeps – one Semipalmated Sandpiper and one Least Sandpiper – were seen, despite hopes that we would see much at Cell 2, which had been very productive until just recently as it is undergoing transformation. A second winter Great Black-backed Gull was a decent consolation as it stood among many Ring-billed and Herring Gulls, and two Caspian Terns were also present. A group of Eastern Kingbirds, late for this site, was seen just nearby and capped the sightings for the day. All-in-all it was a successful day with weather that turned for the better. Participants lent their keen senses and we ended up with 60 species including 15 warbler species.

2013, September 14

Leslie Street Spit Fall
8:00 a.m. to afternoon
Leader: .

Thirty-four enthusiastic birders met at the entrance to Tommy Thompson Park on a crisp but glorious morning. Weather conditions overnight had looked favourable for the passage of passerines, and we were soon able to note a group of Palm Warblers just behind us at the meeting location. We then set forth along Spine Road. As we approached the entrance gate complex, we homed in on some chip notes and were treated to a mixed bag of good sightings as we took the path north towards the entrance to the Outer Harbour Marina. We noted our first Black-throated Green, Nashville, and Magnolia Warblers and American Redstart along here. At the marina entrance, we were treated to a low-flying hatch-year Broad-winged Hawk, which approached and then circled directly overhead, allowing everyone a good look at the dark-bordered wing undersides. We also had a flock of Cedar Waxwings pass us here and were privy to begging calls of a couple of fledgling Song Sparrows. They fell silent when a Sharp-shinned Hawk passed by low. We also spotted our first Great Egret of the day here. We made our way back towards Spine Road and then continued along it, and it was along the stretch leading up to Cell #1 that we were treated to multiple mixed passerine flocks, comprising warblers, vireos and Black-capped Chickadees. Some additions to our list here included Northern Parula, Tennessee Warbler, Philadelphia Vireo, Black-and-white Warbler, and Blackpoll Warbler. An Eastern Wood-Pewee provided a great study opportunity, and we also had a Trail's Flycatcher here. Some teasers included a single Red-breasted Nuthatch (heard) and a glimpse of a House Wren. We continued towards Embayment C and paid a quick visit to the bird-banding station before returning to our starting point. Fortuity seemed to be the theme for this last portion of the walk, as we made chance sightings of Greater Yellowlegs, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Northern Shoveler, and Common Merganser, and part of the group briefly saw a Common Nighthawk. Not including an unidentified Catharus thrush, our list of sightings came to a respectable 53. Thanks to all who participated and lent their eyes and ears to the experience!

2012, September 15

Leslie Street Spit Fall
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - all day.
Leader: .

The overnight cold front and northwest wind (albeit light) gave us hope of a good day of fall birding. Given that it rained most of the previous day, the wet woods lived up to their name, but were initially disappointing with only a few brief glimpses of confusing fall warblers to puzzle many. Things improved steadily all morning as we came across a good variety of warblers and vireos in several flocks moving along the neck of the spit, while half a dozen raptors harriers and sharp-shins were spotted overhead moving across the baselands to the west. Where the endikement road splits from the spine road a young Broad-winged hawk soared low overhead. Embayment D was unusually empty of waterfowl as we crossed the new outer dike to peninsula D flushing a kingfisher, killdeer, spotted sandpiper and 2 egrets. Peninsula D was quiet (the migrant passerines seemed to be moving down the row of trees alongside the spine road), but we saw the only Waterthrush of the day in the new spacious banding station.

After lunch, a smaller but dedicated group continued to the lighthouse via the now quiet nesting colony on peninsula B and back long the endikement road, where the highlights included a Merlin, flocks of palm warblers behaving like sparrows, and a Broad-winged hawk taking off from among the weeds on the ground in front of the new environmental shelter as we stood on top of it (the shelter) - we had not noticed it until it took off. Ebird flagged the following as unusual numbers for this time of year.

Gadwall 145;
Redhead 3 males;
Common Goldeneye 1 female;
Great Egret 7;
Northern Waterthrush 1

While it is unusual for Gadwall to outnumber Mallards around the spit, this seems to happen every year about this time for a few weeks. The Redheads and Goldeneye are just a few weeks early.

Thanks to all for their cheerful help in finding and pointing out birds, especially Wayne Renaud and Barry Coombs for coming from far west of Yonge St, sharing their considerable expertise and sticking with it to the very end.

We also spotted 11 species of butterflies, mostly Monarchs and sulphurs, but also a Fiery Skipper, a Ringlet, a couple of Buckeyes, Red Admirals, Eastern Tailed-Blues, Mourning Cloaks, and at least half a dozen Viceroys.

2011, September 17

Leslie Street Spit Fall

Leader: .

Birds were almost completely absent as we crossed the baselands of the Spit, with only a half-dozen birds seen diving silently from one clump of dogwood to another and only four of which could be identified. Landbirds remained scarce (only single individuals of corvid, parid, thrush, mimid, and icterid, and five of the six warbler species found) except the flock of 200 European Starlings at the end of the outing, which represented about 80% of the landbirds seen all day. Things did not improve much until we reached embayment D, where we did find some shorebirds and more waterfowl. Ebird flagged the numbers of Gadwall (120) and Hooded Merganser (33) as unusually high, but after seeing none since the spring, the 27 Northern Shoveler, 40 Green-winged Teal, two Canvasback, and nine Scaup were great to see. Nine of 28 participants stuck it out through all six hours, covering over eight kilometres! 48 species were seen in total and the weather and company were agreeable throughout. Thanks especially to Tom Flinn for his sharp ears and eyes and leading half the group around peninsula D. – Bob Kortright

2010, September 26

Leslie Street Spit Fall

Leader: .

On September 26, a gorgeous fall day, 13 birding enthusiasts joined Bob Kortright for a full day on the Leslie Street Spit. The outing began under crisp blue skies and light north winds which shifted to the south by mid morning. Sixty-eight species were observed by the group (although none were seen by all) the most common of which were Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-throated Sparrow and Golden-crowned Kinglet. Flocks of migrating Blue Jay flew overhead throughout the day and the yellow goldenrod, amidst purple and white asters, was alive with Monarchs and the occasional Red Admiral and Sulphur. The banding station reported a flurry of activity at the mist nets, the highest this season, with kinglets the most common capture. Those hanging in till mid-afternoon were treated to a detour involving water, mud, bush-whacking and a sizable colony of woolly bears in the lamb's quarters on peninsula B.

Thanks to Bob Kortright for leading the outing and to Sarah Box for the logistics. – Jan Doherty

Below is a species list for the day, courtesy of Bob Kortright via ebird.

Location: Toronto--Leslie Street Spit (Tommy Thompson Park)
Observation date: 9/26/10
Number of species: 68

  • Canada Goose - Branta canadensis 28
  • Mute Swan - Cygnus olor 10
  • Trumpeter Swan - Cygnus buccinator 1
  • Wood Duck - Aix sponsa 1
  • Gadwall - Anas strepera 12
  • American Wigeon - Anas americana 4
  • Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos 97
  • Northern Pintail - Anas acuta 3
  • Green-winged Teal - Anas crecca 4
  • Greater Scaup - Aythya marila 1
  • Bufflehead - Bucephala albeola 1
  • Hooded Merganser - Lophodytes cucullatus 1
  • Common Merganser - Mergus merganser 4
  • Double-crested Cormorant - Phalacrocorax auritus 54
  • Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias 2
  • Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura 2
  • Northern Harrier - Circus cyaneus 1
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk - Accipiter striatus 8
  • Cooper's Hawk - Accipiter cooperii 1
  • Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus 1
  • Black-bellied Plover - Pluvialis squatarola 1
  • Ring-billed Gull - Larus delawarensis 34
  • Herring Gull - Larus argentatus 3
  • Rock Pigeon - Columba livia 1
  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird - Archilochus colubris 1
  • Belted Kingfisher - Megaceryle alcyon 3
  • Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - Sphyrapicus varius 2
  • Northern Flicker - Colaptes auratus 5
  • Least Flycatcher - Empidonax minimus 1
  • Eastern Phoebe - Sayornis phoebe 3
  • Blue-headed Vireo - Vireo solitarius 1
  • Philadelphia Vireo - Vireo philadelphicus 1
  • Red-eyed Vireo - Vireo olivaceus 1
  • Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata 138
  • Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus 3
  • Red-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta canadensis 1
  • White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis 1
  • Brown Creeper - Certhia americana 5
  • Winter Wren - Troglodytes troglodytes 2
  • Golden-crowned Kinglet - Regulus satrapa 30
  • Ruby-crowned Kinglet - Regulus calendula 2
  • Swainson's Thrush - Catharus ustulatus 1
  • American Robin - Turdus migratorius 1
  • Gray Catbird - Dumetella carolinensis 1
  • European Starling - Sturnus vulgaris 1
  • Cedar Waxwing - Bombycilla cedrorum 7
  • Tennessee Warbler - Vermivora peregrina 2
  • Nashville Warbler - Vermivora ruficapilla 3
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler - Dendroica pensylvanica 1
  • Magnolia Warbler - Dendroica magnolia 1
  • Black-throated Blue Warbler - Dendroica caerulescens 1
  • Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) - Dendroica coronata coronata 60
  • Black-throated Green Warbler - Dendroica virens 3
  • Palm Warbler (Western) - Dendroica palmarum palmarum 4
  • Bay-breasted Warbler - Dendroica castanea 2
  • Blackpoll Warbler - Dendroica striata 3
  • Black-and-White Warbler - Mniotilta Varia 1
  • American Redstart - Setophaga ruticilla 1
  • Ovenbird - Seiurus aurocapilla 1
  • Common Yellowthroat - Geothlypis trichas 2
  • Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia 4
  • Lincoln's Sparrow - Melospiza lincolnii 1
  • White-throated Sparrow - Zonotrichia albicollis 38
  • White-crowned Sparrow - Zonotrichia leucophrys 4
  • Dark-eyed Junco - Junco hyemalis 7
  • Scarlet Tanager - Piranga olivacea 1
  • Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus 1
  • American Goldfinch - Spinus tristis 5

2009, September 26

Leslie Street Spit Fall

Leader: .

14 participants. 56 species, with highlights of 1 Peregrine Falcon; 1 Green Heron; 2 Blue-winged Teal; 2 Northern Pintails.

2007, September 22

Leslie Street Spit Fall

Leader: .

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


2006, September 2

Leslie Street Spit Fall

Leader: .

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.

t 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.

2005, September 24

Leslie Street Spit Fall

Leader: .

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.

2004, September 25

Leslie Street Spit Fall

Leader: .

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.

Leslie Street Spit SpringTop

2015, April 25

Leslie Street Spit Spring
8 am to 2 pm
Leader: .

On a sunny but unseasonably cold (4ºC) Saturday morning, approximately 45 birders joined leaders Garth Riley and John Carley for the umpteenth annual Baillie Birdwalk at the Leslie Street Spit. The Wet Woods were indeed wet, with the added bonus of a thin film of ice on all the ponded areas.

The group total of birds perceived during the walk (which ended at 3 p.m.) was 73 species.

The highlights included two Rusty Blackbirds vocalizing (note that the term “singing” was not used) in the Baselands, two Iceland Gulls (one fly-over, one observed on the water, with the greyish primaries of the Kumlien’s race well-noted), and two Great Horned Owls. Long-tailed Ducks in plumage moult to breeding (alternate) plumage provided great visual interest.

Leslie Street SpitTop

2014, April 26

Leslie Street Spit
8:00am - approximately 2:00pm.
Leader: .

The outing to the Leslie Street Spit was enjoyed by about 60 participants. There were a lot of new people on the outing who learned of the walk from the website. The day started off as a grey, raw day that threatened rain but luckily the rain held off and we had some sunny breaks. With such a large number of birders co-leaders (Garth Riley, Kevin Seymour and Sarah Box) assisted with the organization of the walk. Thanks goes to them and any others who helped out.

Our species count total was 78. Highlights included one Common Raven out on the Spit, and a fine selection of waterfowl, namely a number of Horned Grebes, a fantastic numbers of Red-necked Grebes (around 300) with about 182 in one raft in East Cove (near the endikement tip). Other passerine highlights were a few Yellow-rumped Warblers, one Blue-headed Vireo, a Fox Sparrow, two Field Sparrows, four species of swallow. One observer noted a Northern Saw-whet Owl, while another found and photographed an Eastern Whip-poor-will! The bird sightings for this outing have been entered into eBird.

Leslie Street Spit SpringTop

2013, April 27

Leslie Street Spit Spring
Saturday 8:00am - approximately 2:00pm.
Leader: .

The April 27, 2013, Toronto Ornithological Club Jim Baillie Memorial Birdwalk at the Leslie Street Spit was indeed a success ! 76 species were tallied!

The weather was fine: at the start, 6 degrees C with an overcast and sun mix, leading to 16 degrees C and sunny.

Most of the 66 attendees saw a White-eyed Vireo, located in a small copse west of the "wet woods" on the Baselands; while those 20 or so who remained to the end were treated to excellent and lengthy looks at a young male Blue Grosbeak feeding on the ground just east of the new staff booth on the Spine Road. Thanks to those on the walk who came back to alert the slower walkers!

Other birds of note were a singing Pine Warbler in the wet woods, 3 Rusty Blackbirds there as well; at least 4 Iceland Gulls (along the endikement generally), and 8 Canvasbacks (4 pair) scattered from Cell 1, to Embayment D, to Triangle Pond. At the Triangle Pond, 2 Trumpeter Swans were observed, with one on a nest!

The Blue Grosbeak, if the sighting is accepted by the OBRC, will become #316 on the Spit list. The 4th edition of the checklist is in preparation, due in the Autumn.

2012, April 28

Leslie Street Spit Spring
Saturday 8:00am - all day.
Leader: .

p>The late April Baillie walk at the Spit is always popular...this year 45 birders ventured forth on a cold (2 degrees) morning (later rising all the way to 8), under skies of mixed sun and cloud. Winds were thankfully low. Unlike the previous weekend, the "wet woods" , now dry woods reflecting the lack of rain this year, were unproductive, with very few land birds. The Baselands were generally quiet, with only yellow-rumped and palm warblers, and a few sparrows.

Birding picked up by 10:30 when the group reached Embayment D and Cell 1. Highlights were a male Northern Pintail, two Iceland Gulls (both were first year birds), Canvasbacks, three Greater Yellowlegs, a Dunlin, and a Ruddy Duck. A second Ruddy Duck was spotted later in Cell 2.

The 15 who continued on past lunch hour were rewarded with very close range views of a male Black Scoter in the waters to the west of the lighthouse.

The walk ended at 3:20, with an estimated 14 km's of walking, and a cumulative species total of 67. – John Carley

2011, April 30

Leslie Street Spit Spring

Leader: .

Forty participants braved the sunny and warm weather on Saturday April 30 on the all-day Toronto Ornithological Club Jim Baillie Memorial Birdwalks excursion at the Leslie Street Spit in Toronto.

In the period from 8 am to 3:30 pm, 77 species in total were observed. Highlights included 8 species of warblers, with a Yellow-breasted Chat seen to the west of the "wet woods", which were indeed wet. A Rusty Blackbird was seen in these woods. Other highlights included a White-eyed Vireo well-viewed and heard at Triangle Pond, and 2 Pine warblers just north of that pond. A third Pine Warbler was seen in the wet woods. 2 Surf Scoters were spotted off the endikement arm, and, for those 14 avid birders who persevered to the end of the hike, their "reward" was an immaculate adult Glaucous Gull which flew past going south, low over the water, to the east of the spine road. – Victoria Carley

2010, April 25

Leslie Street Spit Spring

Leader: .

27 participants braved cool and windy weather at the Leslie St Spit. Despite these challenging conditions, 55 species were recorded, including good looks at Eastern Meadlowlark, American Kestrel, Greater Scaup, Canvasback, and Black-crowned Night-Heron. Other notable sightings included Northern Goshawk, Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull. Rain brought an early end to the outing around 1:00pm. – Sarah Box

2009, April 26

Leslie Street Spit Spring

Leader: .

18 participants. 102 species, with highlights of a Gadwall nest; 1 American Bittern; 4 American Woodcock; 3 Wood Thrushes; 25 Rusty Blackbirds; 8 Purple Finches.

2005, April 23

Leslie Street Spit Spring

Leader: .

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.

2004, April 24

Leslie Street Spit Spring

Leader: .

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.

Oshawa Second MarshTop

2019, April 21

Oshawa Second Marsh
7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Leader: Charmaine Anderson.

After a few days of heavy spring showers, 20 eager participants were ready to get out and hopefully find some birds on a dry, warm Easter Sunday. Oshawa’s Second Marsh has traditionally been a hot spot for spring gulls with the star of the show, the rare Little Gull. The world’s smallest gull can often be seen mixed in with the hundreds of Bonaparte’s Gulls that pass through each year. Over the past few years a marsh restoration project has reduced the available habitat for these birds and unfortunately for the group we weren’t able to locate any of either species. That said, Second Marsh is still a wonderful birding hotspot and within minutes of arriving on the platform, the group was treated to the call of a pair of Virginia Rails. Swamp Sparrows and other marsh birds that were alive with song. A beautiful pair of Blue-winged Teal were also seen in the pond near the platform. As we made our way down to the lake Ruby-crowned kinglets sang and fluttered in the trees catching insects. A few Yellow-rumped Warblers were spotted high in the trees. One of the highlights of our walk at Second Marsh was seeing five Brown Thrashers together in one tree! After an early stop at Tim Horton’s the group headed over to Thickson Woods to see what early migrants may have arrived. The woods were showing some early signs of how busy it will become as we get closer to May. Fox Sparrows could be heard singing and the ground and trees were alive with White-throated Sparrows. Pine Warblers were seen in a few locations flashing their bright yellow breasts high in the trees. An early Black and White Warbler was a treat for everyone to see and hear. Finally it wouldn’t have been a trip to Thickson Woods without seeing one of the resident Great Horned Owls that treated us with a fly by around the woods. Overall great start to spring birding!

2015, April 26

Oshawa Second Marsh
8 am to early afternoon
Leader: .

The walk, attended by 23 people, started at the General Motors' platform at Oshawa Second Marsh and continued south through the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve and along the barrier beach of Darlington Provinicial Park looping back through the park to our cars near the GM platform.

Early attendees observed the surge of Little Gulls into Oshawa Second Marsh. A grand total of 158 birds were observed setting a new record for the marsh and the third highest ever for the New World. More than 5000 Bonaparte's Gulls also came in. Twenty species of waterfowl were observed including four Cackling Geese, Ruddy Ducks, and nests of Trumpeter Swans and Wood Ducks which were depredated by raccoons overnight.

Passerines were sparse throughout. Highlights were early Common Yellowthroat, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Field Sparrows. A total of 72 species was observed and have been submitted to eBird and shared with the Club. The outing concluded at noon.

2014, April 27

Oshawa Second Marsh
8:00 a.m. to early afternoon.
Leader: .

Thirty birders participated in the outing to Oshawa Second Marsh. The weather was cloudy and cool. A total of 74 species was sighted and recorded into eBird. Highlights of the outing included 37 Little Gulls, six Greater White-fronted Geese flying in formation with other Canada Geese, five Ruddy Ducks, one Canvasback, one Iceland Gull, one Osprey and four warbler species.

2013, April 28

Oshawa Second Marsh
Sunday 8:00 a.m. - early afternoon.
Leader: .

Approximately 36 participants joined the TOC outing at Oshawa Second Marsh in beautiful weather. A total of 77 species were observed. Highlights seen fromthe viewing platform at the start of the trip included a drake Eurasian Wigeon and seven species of gulls including 12 Little Gulls, 450 Bonaparte's Gulls and single Iceland, Glaucous and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

The outing then proceeded through Cool Hollow and along the beach to Darlington Provincial Park. Other species seen included Common Raven, Red-bellied and Pileated Woodpeckers and several Eastern Towhees. Passerines were present in very low numbers and diversity.

2012, April 29

Oshawa Second Marsh
Sunday 8:00 a.m. - early afternoon.
Leader: .

Approximately 20 participants joined the TOC outing at Oshawa Second Marsh in beautiful weather. Highlights seen from the viewing platform at the start of the trip included Little Gulls and approximately 1,500 Bonaparte's Gulls. Both gull species were moving extensively back and forth between the marsh and the adjacent near-shore area of the lake, so an accurate count of Little Gulls could not be done, but the highest number visible in courtship flights at one time were 28 individuals. The outing then proceeded through Cool Hollow and along the beach to Darlington Provincial Park. Other species seen included Caspian Terns, Black-crowned Night-Herons, Horned Grebes on the lake, both yellowlegs and a Belted Kingfisher. Passerines were present in very low numbers and diversity.

Unfortunately, later that same day after the TOC outing had ended, an arson attack damaged the observation platform and a further 12 acres of the marsh and adjacent McLaughlin Bay Reserve, extending from the platform to the north end of Cool Hollow. Most habitat between the open water of the marsh and the marshland trail has suffered extensive fire damage, and most of the swallow boxes which were in that area are gone. Such an event at such a wonderful location for birding in the GTA is deeply saddening. - Sarah Box

2011, May 1

Oshawa Second Marsh

Leader: .

Ten participants met on the viewing platform at Oshawa Second Marsh, where small numbers of Little Gulls were eventually seen by all, alongside other highlights such as Bonaparte's Gulls and Forster's Terns. Making our way east, we were surprised to find a singing Bobolink, as well as a low-perched Belted Kingfisher and two Black-crowned Night-Herons across the marsh. A singing House Wren was found in Cool Hollow followed by brief looks at an American Woodcock for some in the group. Our search for the recent Piping Plover on the windy beach was unsuccessful, but we did find fast-moving flocks of Yellow-rumped Warblers in Darlington Provincial Park. The walk concluded at lunchtime with a nice collection of mimids seen near the end, as Northern Mockingbird, two Brown Thrashers and a Gray Catbird were all found in rapid succession. Many thanks to Tyler Hoar for leading the outing. – Sarah Box

2010, April 24

Oshawa Second Marsh

Leader: .

Twenty-eight participants enjoyed a beautiful spring morning for the TOC's inaugural outing at Oshawa Second Marsh.

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p>The group observed over 1100 Bonaparte's Gulls and 34 Little Gulls which we later saw heading out over the lake to feed on ghost midges. Early arrivals enjoyed great looks at two Eastern Meadowlarks flying past the observation platform, and some members of the group were fortunate enough to see and hear a singing Brown Thrasher. Several species of waterfowl were seen, including Ruddy Ducks, American Wigeons, Northern Shovelers, Green- and Blue-winged Teal and both Scaup species. Dunlin and both species of Yellowlegs were observed foraging along the mudflats.

Other highlights included a Palm Warbler and several Yellow-rumped Warblers, in both cases the first of the season for many of the group. We walked along the lakeshore, noting several Common Loons and two Horned Grebe as well as a good variety of ducks on the lake, to Darlington Provincial Park.

We returned via McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve, where a Red-tailed Hawk provided a fine sight in the sunshine before the walk concluded at lunchtime. – Tyler Hoar

Sunnyside/ Humber BayTop

2015, January 18

Sunnyside/ Humber Bay
1:30 pm to sunset
Leader: .

Twenty-four convivial birders met this afternoon on the Toronto waterfront at Sir Casimir Gzowski Park at the mouth of the Humber River. After enjoying some close-up views of three species of gulls and several ducks, we ventured through Humber Bay Park East and then Humber Bay Park West (behind Birds & Beans Coffee Shop). The weather cooperated well and offered a brief respite from the recent frigid temperatures.

The group saw a total of 32 species, including 15 species of ducks, three Horned Grebes and two American Coots. Two accommodating Red-tailed Hawks put on an impressive soaring display.

At Humber Bay Park East an American Mink attempted to make a meal of a Muskrat, but one of our intrepid birders stepped in to save the day.

Thanks to all the attending TOC members who helped make this an enjoyable outing for several new birders.

The results are included on eBird and have been shared with the TOC.

2014, January 19

Sunnyside/ Humber Bay
1:30 p.m. to sunset
Leader: .

A total of 14 birders enjoyed an afternoon of typical January weather (overcast, -2C, and 48 km/h winds from the southwest). We covered the west side of Sunnyside Park, Sir Casimir Gzowski Park, the Humber River from Lake Ontario to the Queensway, Humber Bay Shores Park and Amos Waites Park. The group observed a total of 23 bird species including a variety of ducks, all three mergansers, a Trumpeter Swan, and American Wigeon. At Amos Waites Park, there were 12 White-winged Scoters and 110 Mute Swans. These bird sightings have been entered into eBird by the TOC Records Committee.

Thanks goes out to the experienced TOC birders who made a great effort to assist the novices with advice and by sharing their scopes.

2013, January 20

Sunnyside/ Humber Bay
Sunday 1:30 p.m. - sunset.
Leader: .

13 stalwart birders braved the high winds (to 50 km/h from the west) and low temperatures (-5C) to enjoy a quite productive outing along the Toronto waterfront including observations at Sir Casimir Gzowski Park and Humber Bay East and Humber Bay West.

The group claimed 24 species with particularly good views of a juvenile Iceland Gull (after lively discussion), 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 3 Merganser species, 8 American Coots and close-up comparison of Greater and Lesser Scaup . At Humber Bay East we observed a very large flock of Ruddy Ducks estimated to be 125 birds.

It was a most enjoyable afternoon with spirited comments from all participants. The dire weather anticipated in the forecast did not materialize and the group enjoyed a number of glorious sunbursts over the lake.

Special thanks to those participants who lugged and operated much appreciated scopes, without which our observations would have been greatly diminished.

Observation details are included on Ebird.

Dave Purcell and Bob Cumming

2012, January 22

Sunnyside/ Humber Bay
Sunday 1:30 p.m. - sunset.
Leader: .

It was a lovely afternoon along the Toronto waterfront for 18 outing participants with the weather cooperating for a change - overcast with sunny spells, 0C and wind 15Km s-se. We visited Sir Casimir Gzowski Park, Humber Bay East and Colonel Sam Smith Park and we saw a total of 32 species, including 15 species of ducks and 4 of gulls, and over 1200 individual birds. The participating group of birders had a nice mix of TOC members and non-members. It was very rewarding to see so many knowledgeable young people enjoying the outing. While we missed the Snowy Owl and Northern Shrike seen yesterday at Colonel Sam Smith Park, we did have a stunning view of an adult Glaucous Gull along the Sunnyside Breakwater.

I would like to thank Dave Purcell whose patience and experience were of invaluable assistance on the outing. Bob Cumming

Toronto Islands FallTop

2015, September 26

Toronto Islands Fall
7:30 a.m. to afternoon
Leader: .

Thirty participants convened at the ferry dock for the 8:15 a.m. run to Hanlan’s Point. Several TOC members were present as well as some novice birders and others on their first TOC outing. The morning was mostly sunny and cool, about 14C, with a light breeze from the east-northeast. The wind picked up considerably in the afternoon and hampered our efforts somewhat. The afternoon was warm as the temperature rose into the mid-twenties.

Most of our 49 species were found within 200m of the Hanlan’s Point dock. We birded the stand of trees, brush and goldenrod intensively for over two hours. A few highlights were seen well, in excellent light, by all observers . The first was an extremely cooperative Scarlet Tanager that perched in the open for almost five minutes. The rather low contrast scapulars and wings, certainly not very black, suggested a female. The second was a very bright adult Philadelphia Vireo. We also enjoyed great looks at an adult male Bay-breasted Warbler.

Nine warbler species included Wilson’s and Northern Parula. Three vireo species were seen including the Philadelphia, several Red-eyed and a Blue-headed. Sparrows tended to be hunkered down out of the wind and only four species were recorded, low for this time of year.

We birded Hanlan’s Point until about 1 p.m. About a dozen participants stayed on as we checked parts of Centre Island, including the Trap at the Frisbee golf course, but it was very quiet. The trip wrapped up as we boarded the 2:15 p.m. ferry from the Centre Island dock. The bird sightings were entered into eBird as documentation.

2013, September 28

Toronto Islands Fall
8:00 a.m. to afternoon
Leader: .

Twenty-four birders, including half a dozen new participants, joined the outing. The early morning was cool and quite breezy with a fair bit of cloud cover. By midday the temperature was at least 20C and mostly sunny with gentle southeast winds.

The birding was generally good and steady with fairly large mixed flocks on Hanlan's Point. Centre Island was much quieter, including the Trap and Ward's Island was OK for the time of day (afternoon). A total of 62 species and 1 taxon ("Baypoll") was found.

The day's highlight was a Lincoln's Sparrow on a sunny, open perch at a range of 10-15 metres. All participants, especially the new people, had a great and unhurried look.

Special thanks to Len Manning (2013 Baillie Birdathon celebrity birder for Hamilton Naturalists Club) and Lisa Teskey for giving me a drive in from Hamilton. Also, thanks to Andrew Don (the Pishin' Magician) whose excellent pishing allowed us all fabulous looks at several warbler species.

2012, September 29

Toronto Islands Fall
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - (all day).
Leader: .

The weather forecast for our Saturday field trip called for temperatures in the mid-teens, sunny with light winds out of the northwest. These were the same conditions for the previous 2 days; conditions that had brought a surge of migrants on the previous Thursday. I feared that many of the migrants had moved on, but we were not disappointed. Upon our arrival at Hanlan’s Point , the 20 participants were greeted with a large concentration of migrants. Although the species diversity for the day was not as great as the previous year, there were many warblers in the trees (mostly Yellow-rumpeds & Palm Warblers) and Zonotrichia sparrows feeding on the ground. The sound of Golden-crowned Kinglets could be heard from one end of the island to the other, while large flocks of jays flew overhead. Despite the favourable wind directions, there were very few raptors. The surprise of the day was a mid-sized owl that briefly flew low over our heads along one of the trails. Thanks to Bob Cumming, who ventured off trail, the sighting was confirmed as a Long-eared Owl. There were 54 species for a day of classic fall birding.

2010, October 2

Toronto Islands Fall

Leader: .

Seventeen people joined this hike, which ended a bit early because of rain (we left on the 2:15 ferry from Centre Island, rather than walking all the way to Ward's Island). A total of 66 species was seen. The most remarkable feature of the morning was the hundreds upon hundreds of White-crowned Sparrows: they were everywhere in groups of 10 to 30 birds, under trees, in trees, on lawns, around borders. We flushed them at every turn; we estimate over 1,000 birds in all. In contrast, there were relatively few White-throated Sparrows or Kinglets, which were the dominant birds on this trip last year. We also had one flock of perhaps 200 Juncos land in the trees and shrubs all around us, as well as several flocks of over 100 Blue Jays fly silently overhead. Good numbers of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Hermit Thrushes and Eastern Phoebes were also counted, along with 11 warbler species and 10 sparrow species (including Dark-eyed Junco and Eastern Towhee). So it was the numbers of these familiar birds that was most impressive! Uncommon birds seen on this hike included one Le Conte's Sparrow seen by many, a flushed Woodcock, and a very rusty Rusty Blackbird. – Kevin Seymour

2009, October 10

Toronto Islands Fall

Leader: .

20 participants. 64 species with highlights of 3 Canvasback; 1 Ring-necked Duck; 2 Merlin; 1 Wilson's Snipe; 1 Great Horned Owl; 30 Eastern Phoebes; 40 Hermit Thrushes.

2009, October 1

Toronto Islands Fall

Leader: .

On a windy, cold and cloudy morning, 22 participants showed up at the ferry docks for a late fall outing on Toronto Island. Despite the ominous start of the day, 78 species were observed by the group. Thanks to the strong north winds, the highlight of the day was the large movement of raptors. 11 species were recorded including Bald Eagles, Red-shouldered Hawks and a Peregrine Falcon. Turkey Vultures and Sharp-shinned Hawks were seen throughout the day and eventually people just stopped counting them. Perhaps a sign of the approaching season, a lone Long-tailed Duck was found near the pier. Among the passerines, 17 species of warblers were observed, mostly Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers. Blue Jays were constantly on the move and 5 Scarlet Tanagers in unfamiliar green plumage were found. Also of interest, was the absence of Robins and Cardinals. A pair of American Mink, lounging on the rocks off the boardwalk, was an entertaining sight for everyone. Thanks to the keen eyes of TOC members, it was a great day of fall birding. – John Nishikawa

2007, October 6

Toronto Islands Fall

Leader: .

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.

2006, October 7

Toronto Islands Fall

Leader: .

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.

2005, October 8

Toronto Islands Fall

Leader: .

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.

Toronto Islands SpringTop

2019, May 18

Toronto Islands Spring
8:00 a.m. to late afternoon
Leader: Bob Cumming, David Purcell.

37 hopeful outing participants caught the 8AM ferry to Hanlan’s Point. While flooding conditions covered much of the Island, we were able to walk , generally unimpeded, to Ward’s Island ferry docks. Birding was a little “spotty”, but were able to compile a satisfactory list of 89 species by the time the remaining birders caught the 5PM ferry back to the city. Our list included a nice variety of birds, including 18 species of Warbler, Eastern Bluebird, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, and 3 late Surf Scoters. Special thanks to Steven Purcell and Barry Coombs for ably assisting in finding species and assisting participants in observing.

2015, May 16

Toronto Islands Spring
8 am to late afternoon
Leader: .

Foggy skies greeted our enthusiastic group of 30 or so guests and members early in the morning as we waited for the ferry, but skies quickly cleared and glorious, sunny weather ensued as we landed at Hanlan's Point. Fittingly perhaps, the persisting Long-tailed Ducks that we saw in the harbour during the crossing gave way quickly to several warbler species as we began exploring on foot near the ferry island terminus. We had excellent views of such species as Black-throated Green Warbler, American Redstart and Chestnut-sided Warbler, and we were treated nearby to Scarlet Tanager and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in the little woodlot just outside the airport gates. A Merlin swooped in low causing some alarm but without getting a catch. A female Yellow-rumped Warbler gave us cause to question her motives as she carried a thin twig…did she have nesting in mind? We also had to watch our feet, literally, as we were “adopted” by a downy Canada Goose that appeared temporarily separated from its family. Speaking of looking down, just nearby we noted a Northern Rough-winged Swallow landing on the pavement and picking at Canada Goose scat for reasons undetermined. On the scat theme, a male American Robin dropped a nestling’s fecal sac upon leaving its nest nestled in a juniper just before us and thus provided a perfect opportunity to have a closer look at just what a fecal sac is…a spontaneous interpretive moment.

The west end of Ward's Island was very productive and we covered little ground as we continued to pick up more species while working towards the beach, with Cape May Warblers and Northern Parula showing in good numbers among others. A jaunt to the northern beach produced a first-summer Lesser Black-backed Gull and some Least Sandpipers at very close range, along with several Spotted Sandpipers. A Swainson's Thrush sang in the conifer plantation along the way back to the picnic grounds, where we enjoyed lunch. We then continued eastward with many 'repeat' migrants but with some new species as well. We heard what we thought was a Great Crested Flycatcher but was actually a Gray Catbird with apparent fixation. Nearby, we found our one and only Indigo Bunting while trying in vain to see a Tennessee Warbler; the bunting was seen by a few of us briefly as it foraged high up in an Eastern Cottonwood tree. Sadly, we would not be afforded a better view this time. Farther along, a male Blackpoll Warbler teased us with its “pepper shaker” song as it foraged in the crowns of Norway Spruces and also evaded prolonged visual contact.

Some of our views were excellent and others more challenging on this excursion but this was a ultimately a successful excursion with 87 species observed thanks in no small part to the assistance lent by the participants themselves and many great questions and discussion generated by our sightings. The sightings were entered into eBird and shared with the Club.

Toronto IslandsTop

2014, May 17

Toronto Islands
7:30 a.m. - noon.
Leader: .

The May 17, 2014 TOC walk to the Toronto Islands was attended by 26 people, nine of them TOC members. It was cold: 5 C in the morning, warming up to maybe a little over 10 C in the afternoon. Of course it was cooler by the lake! It was mostly cloudy, but thankfully there was little wind. The trip started at 8:30 a.m. at Ward's Island this year, instead of the traditional Hanlan's Point, and ended at Centre Island at 3:15 p.m. Overall, 83 species were sighted, with a good spread of the common and expected migrants. The highlights included two Horned Grebes, 21 warbler species (including Blue-winged and Mourning) and a Yellow-throated Vireo. On the other hand, only five duck species and four sparrow species were seen, and no raptors at all, unless you count Turkey Vulture as a raptor. The most common bird of the day was Double-crested Cormorant, which could be seen flying in loose v's all day over the islands.

A checklist has been entered into eBird as Checklist # S18439908.

Toronto Islands SpringTop

2013, May 18

Toronto Islands Spring
8:00 a.m. - all day
Leader: .

On the morning of Saturday, May 6, a group of 36 people assembled for a day of birding on Toronto Island. The weather was cool and cloudy which resulted in a quiet morning, in terms of the number and diversity of birds along the airport fence at Hanlan’s Point. An attempt was made to relocate a Piping Plover that had been observed the previous day. The lone bird was clearly in a rush to return to its home grounds. Based on the leg bands that were gleaned from a photo I had taken, the plover had hatched in the summer of 2012 in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located on an island in the northwest corner of Lake Michigan. Later in the morning, the sun finally broke through the clouds and birds started to reveal themselves. The singing of Yellow Warblers, Warbling Vireos and Baltimore Orioles accompanied us throughout the day. In the end, 71 species were observed. Some of the highlights included a first year male Orchard Oriole, a cooperative Black-billed Cuckoo, and an immature Bald Eagle. Colourful spring migrants, like Scarlet Tanager and Indigo Bunting were also a welcome sight. After an absence of several years, a small group of Common Terns had returned to the nesting platform in the Trout Pond. Many thanks to the observational skills of the participants and a special thanks to the young girl who carried my heavy backpack that I had left behind at one of our stops.

2012, May 21

Toronto Islands Spring
Monday 8:00 a.m. - (all day).
Leader: .

Some 31 birding enthusiasts joined Luc Fazio for the traditional Victoria Day Toronto Islands bird walk from Hanlan's Point to Ward's Island. With great effort and many capable observers, we managed to see 83 species of bird. Perhaps the best observation was a pair of copulating Black-billed Cuckoos that put on quite a show for almost 30 minutes! Other highlights included male and female Rose-breasted Grosbeak, nesting Gnatcatchers, Cliff Swallows, three Canvasbacks, Blackpoll Warblers, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Philadelphia Vireo.

The overall total of species is the lowest in many years, and the number of individuals for Warblers, Flycatchers, and Thrushes was very low. The two most important factors for such a 'low' count are the very warm day and month of May, and the number of people visiting the Island on the long weekend.

The participants showed great camaraderie in helping each other. Many thanks to all the participants.

2010, May 24

Toronto Islands Spring

Leader: .

The weather was clear and had been for at least two days prior so we knew that the spring fallout we hoped for was not to be. As it turned out for much of the day we had more birders than birds, with 51 participants joining the outing. Warblers were particularly scarce and we only managed one female Mourning Warbler in the early afternoon. Other warblers of note included seven Blackpoll, two Canada and two Wilson's. Shorebirds are hit and miss on the Islands but we did chance on to three breeding–plumaged Semipalmated Sandpipers on the beach at Hanlan's Point. There were also a large number of Cliff Swallows feeding along the beach. This is a species which we usually only see at the Centre Island pier. We did well with Empidonax flycatchers, seeing Willow, Least, Alder and Yellow–bellied. Conspicuously absent were Indigo Buntings – we didn't see or hear any throughout the day.

While it was disappointing that there were so few birds, with some hard slugging we did manage to get 83 species for the day. This is well below the usual tally of approximately 100 species historically seen on this outing but the beautiful weather was some consolation. – Garth Riley

2009, May 18

Toronto Islands Spring

Leader: .

55 participants. 117 species, with highlights of 2 Mourning Warblers; 2 Blackpoll Warblers; 30 Cliff Swallows.

2006, May 22

Toronto Islands Spring

Leader: .

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.

2005, May 23

Toronto Islands Spring

Leader: .

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.

West Toronto Lakeshore and BeyondTop

2015, November 28

West Toronto Lakeshore and Beyond
9:00 a.m. to afternoon
Leader: .

On Saturday, November 28th, approximately 35 birders joined the Baillie Bird Walk at Toronto’s Humber Bay East and Colonel Samuel Smith Parks.We saw 33 species of birds with waterfowl predominating in numbers.

The highlight was a female Black Scoter seen at close range from the east end of Humber Bay East Park. Hooded Mergansers were seen at a number of spots. The previously reported and curiously-plumaged Mallard hybrid was again spotted, leading to lengthy speculations as to its genetic progenitors. Two Horned Grebes associating with three Red-necked Grebes were a good find as well. Some birders caught a glimpse of dark bird that resembled a Gray Catbird but no confirmation of the bird was made and therefore was not reported. The bird sightings have been entered into eBird and shared with the Club.

The walk began at 9 a.m., and ended at 1:30 p.m. Skies went from full overcast to sunny, the temperature stayed around 3°C, while the winds were light from the northwest.

2014, November 29

West Toronto Lakeshore and Beyond
8:30 a.m. to afternoon
Leader: .

A group of eighteen birders enjoyed a fine day out to four different areas of the western lakeshore of Toronto with a good showing of some less-common birds among a total of 36 species. The weather was cool and windy, which drove some waterfowl into more protected areas. We started at Humber Bay Park East, and the first good bird unfortunately will have to remain a probable Northern Goshawk. It looked very large but was a quick flyby and we could not be absolutely sure that it was not a Cooper’s Hawk. Male and female Hooded Mergansers were displaying beautifully. A female Black Scoter was trying to blend in among Ruddy Ducks but was picked out by a keen-eyed participant. Four or five Common Redpolls were seen briefly in the pines to the east of the parking lot. We missed out on a Common Merganser and Orange-crowned Warbler that were seen in pre-trip scouting on the previous day. Our second stop at Mimico Waterfront Park featured several American Wigeons, one Northern Shoveler, and five Trumpeter Swans calling in flight right over our heads. The third stop was Colonel Samuel Smith Park, where we observed an immature male Harlequin Duck and a beautiful, non-breeding, female Rusty Blackbird. Finally, a quick stop at the mouth of the Humber River was good for a first winter, male King Eider that had, thankfully, hardly moved at all since first being located the day before.

2013, November 30

West Toronto Lakeshore and Beyond
8:30 a.m. to afternoon
Leader: .

On November 30, seventeen birders braved, but mostly tried to avoid, high winds coming onshore with large waves and spray at west Toronto lakeshore locations. (Humber Bay Park East and West, Mimico Lakeshore Park, and Colonel Samuel Smith Park). Recent cold weather lead to much more ice on protected waters than in the past few years at this time.

Thirty-seven species were found, with one flock of Greater Scaup comprising nearly half the total birds. Good looks were had at all three merganser species as well as three grebes (Red-necked, Pied-billed and Horned). Several American Tree Sparrows were seen, but not by the whole group, as the birds remained deep in brush. An apparent Glaucous Gull flew over quickly at Colonel Samuel Smith Park (CSSP). Whether due to changes in the weather or other unknown factors, not one of the Northern Shrike, several Killdeer (Humber Bay Park East), single Nashville and Orange-crowned Warblers (CSSP) seen the previous (windless) day during scouting could be refound during the outing.

Many thanks to Pat Hodgson for leading the outing and submitting this report.

2012, December 1

West Toronto Lakeshore and Beyond
Saturday 8:30 a.m. - (all day).
Leader: .

An enthusiastic group of 20 birders braved freezing temperatures and a brisk southeast wind (and the resulting large waves on the lake) to visit Humber Bay Park East and West, Mimico Waterfront Park and Colonel Sam Smith Park on the west Toronto waterfront. It was a diverse bunch including teenagers and visitors from Nova Scotia and Bangalore, India. The bird of the day was an eared grebe at Colonel Sam Smith that obligingly swam by at very close range, just inches away from a horned grebe, allowing a perfect opportunity to compare the sizes and plumages of these similar birds. Thanks to Andrew Keaveney for picking up on the eared grebe. As red-necked grebe and pied-billed grebe were also present, we had four grebe species at Sam Smith. Other good finds for December were seven black-crowned night-herons and two killdeer along Mimico Creek between Humber Bay East and West.

Waterfowl numbers were not huge, but diversity was good, and we ended up with fourteen species of ducks plus trumpeter (2 untagged adults) and mute swans. Ducks present in larger numbers included long-tailed duck, greater scaup and redhead. A lingering flock of about fifty ruddy duck was present at Humber Bay East. One northern pintail and several American wigeon added to the variety, while numerous bufflehead, common goldeneye and hooded merganser kept up in the beauty department.

West Toronto Lakeshore to BurlingtonTop

2015, March 1

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington
9 am to late afternoon
Leader: .

March 1 was surprisingly warm after a very bitter February. While the temperature didn't reach above zero it was close to -2C for the high, which felt very comfortable. Twelve participants stopped at Humber Bay East and Colonel Samuel Smith Park in Toronto, as well as Saddington Park in Port Credit. Waterfowl numbers were relatively low primarily due to the bays' being ice-covered. However, we did manage a total of 32 species on the day.

Highlights included:

  1. Humber Bay East: three Great Black-backed Gulls harassing a mink for its fish; a Northern Mockingbird; a surprise Red-necked Grebe; one Glaucous Gull; and 12 Ruddy Ducks.
  2. Colonel Samuel Smith Park: a male Harlequin Duck (in breeding plumage) was co-operative, as was a male Surf Scoter; another surprise Red-necked Grebe was seen as well as our only raptor of the day, a male American Kestrel.
  3. Saddington Park: 24 Common Redpoll and two more Glaucous Gull.

It was another great day to kick off the spring birding season with great company. The sightings were logged into eBird and shared with the Club.

2014, March 2

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington
9:00 a.m. to late afternoon.
Leader: .

Hopes for some early spring migrants were dashed by a winter that just won’t go away. I was joined by a group of 10 individuals who were eager to brave the cold weather and treacherous icy walking conditions to see what was around.

We started at 9:00 a.m. at Humber Bay East and made several stops along the lake front eventually ending the day at Bronte Harbour at around 2:30 p.m. with the wind picking up and wind chill well below -20C.

The group managed to see a total of 28 species with the highlights as follows: an adult male Harlequin Duck and Snowy Owl at Colonel Samuel Smith Park; an Iceland Gull at Lakefront Promenade; a fly-by Glaucous Gull at Port Credit; three King Eiders (2 female, 1 first year male) and another Snowy Owl at Bronte.

2012, March 3

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington
Saturday 9:00 a.m. (all day).
Leader: .

Despite high wind warnings of gusts up to 90 km/hour, 9 participants showed up to brave the weather conditions and see what the wind may have blown in. The group started at Humber Bay East and highlights were the first Red-winged Blackbird of the year, the overwintering Pintail, three overwintering Black-crowned Night-Heron, and a raft of seventeen migrating Ruddy Duck. We had anticipated that there would be large numbers of waterfowl finding refuge in the many bays at Humber Bay but this wasn't the case and the numbers were actually quite low.

The group took a brief break and then proceeded to Colonel Samuel Smith Park where the highlights were three Tundra Swans in the shelter of the marina and an apparent Hybrid Mallard x Pintail which posed for some good pictures. After viewing the Tundra Swans and getting blown off our feet we decided to call it an early day and left for the shelter of our homes. - Garth Riley

2011, November 26

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

The final TOC outing of 2011 took place on Saturday November 26th, when a group of 25 participants visited Humber Bay East and West, Colonel Sam Smith Park and Saddington Park (Port Credit) in unseasonably calm and mild conditions. The expected assortment of seasonal ducks was found at Humber Bay East and West, along with two late lingering Killdeer and Great Egret, two immature Black-crowned Night-Herons, four Golden-crowned Kinglets, two Song Sparrows and a White-throated Sparrow. The group moved on to Colonel Sam Smith Park, where new species for the day included several Red-necked Grebes, four Horned Grebes, three Common Loons, twelve American Coots, three American Wigeon and a female Ruddy Duck. Saddington Park was pretty quiet with a total of only 12 species seen by the group however we did add American Crow and Red-tailed Hawk. Many of these species which we tend to take for granted were life birds for a visiting librarian from Tokyo, whose delight was a joy to share -she was ecstatic at seeing a male Cardinal!

2011, March 5

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

Eight participants braved constant rain and visited Humber Bay East and West, Colonel Samuel Smith Park and Lakeview Promenade, finding 35 species in challenging weather. Highlights were migrant Ruddy Ducks and Canvasbacks, the first Red-winged Blackbird of the season for many and a cooperative singing Northern Shrike. Rain put a damper on the outing and the participants called it quits after four hours in the rain and cold. A hardy bunch to have lasted so long in what were miserable conditions. – Garth Riley

2011, January 23

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

18 intrepid participants braved the chilly -15C temperature along Toronto's waterfront on January 23. The locations visited during the afternoon included Sunnyside, Humber Bay East and West , Colonel Sam Smith Park and High Park (in search of a roosting Eastern Screech-Owl). It was a beautiful day for a walk with mist rising over the lake and a gorgeous sunset to the west of Colonel Sam Smith Park. In all we saw 34 species, including 15 different ducks. Other highlights were two Black-crowned Night-Herons, two Northern Shrikes and a Northern Harrier. Special thanks to those who lugged scopes through the snow and made the viewing so spectacular. – Bob Cumming

2010, March 7

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

2010, January 24

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

17 hardy souls arrived Sunday afternoon at Sunnyside to brave the inclement weather-- cold, rainy and windy.

The Sunnyside area was sparse on gulls and waterfowl; so, we quickly moved to Humber Bay West where there were large quantities of ducks, swans and gulls. We saw 12 species of ducks (including over 800 Greater Scaup), 4 species of gulls (including an immature Iceland Gull) and 2 species of Swans.

A stalwart group of 8 soggy but determined participants carried on to Col. Sam Smith Park and were rewarded with a lone Horned Grebe as the rain increased and the sky darkened.

It was a successful trip with good birds and great camaraderie; although, surprisingly, no Scoters. – Bob Cumming

2009, December 5

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

19 participants. 49 species with highlights of 3 Winter Wrens; 3 Brown Creepers; 5 Northern Mockingbirds; 6 Golden-crowned Kinglets.

2009, March 8

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

21 participants. 46 species, with hightlights of 262 Trumpeter Swans; 26 Tundra Swans; 1 Surf Scoter; 2 Horned Grebes; 2 Bald Eagles.

2009, January 25

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

18 participants. 29 species, with highlights of a 2nd year Bald Eagle; first basic Glaucous Gull; 2 Lesser Scaup.

2008, December 6

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

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.

2008, March 1

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

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.

2008, January 27

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

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):

Canada Goose

5/0/12 = 17

Mute Swan

6/0/2

= 8

Trumpeter Swan

0/0/2

= 4

(2 ad./2 juv. – no wing tags)

Gadwall

6/10/8 = 24

American Black Duck

0/2/6

= 8

Mallard

38/20/82 = 140

Northern Shoveler

0/0/22

= 22

Redhead

0/0/267 = 267

Greater Scaup

12/54/115 = 181

Lesser Scaup

7/19/3

= 29

Harlequin Duck

0/1/0

= 1

(female)

Long–tailed Duck

120/30/205 = 355

Bufflehead

32/18/26

= 76

Common Goldeneye

24/12/8

= 44

Hooded Merganser

0/1/7

= 8

Common Merganser

16/21/4

= 41

Red–breasted Merganser 25/28/33 = 86

Horned Grebe

0/0/1

= 1

American Kestrel

0/1/0

= 1

Ring–billed Gull

315/25/80 = 420

Herring Gull

38/2/10

= 50

Glaucous Gull

1/0/0

= 1

Great Black–backed Gull

3/0/0

= 3

Rock Pigeon

6/0/3

= 9

Mourning Dove

0/0/7

= 7

Downy Woodpecker

1/0/0

= 1

Black–capped Chickadee

2/0/0

= 2

Red–breasted Nuthatch

0/0/1

= 1

American Robin

0/0/1

= 1

Northern Mockingbird

0/1/0

= 1

European Starling

13/55/26 = 94

Yellow–rumped Warbler

0/2/0

= 2

American Tree Sparrow

0/1/0

= 1

Song Sparrow

0/0/1

= 1

Dark–eyed Junco

0/0/8

= 8

Northern Cardinal

0/1/0

= 1

House Sparrow

8/14/3 = 25

2007, December 8

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

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.

2006, December 9

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

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.

2005, December 10

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

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.

2005, March 5

West Toronto Lakeshore to Burlington

Leader: .

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.