This afternoon around 1PM we observed one Tri-colored Heron just off from the park bench referred to in the directions below; then we spotted the second one foraging to the right in a nicely protected lagoon. The first one flew up to the right into the trees where the bridge is (no access to that one) and was preening while an Immature Black Crowned Night Heron sat about 2 feet away. The 2nd one flew into the trees as well, but we couldn't locate that one. About 1/2 hr later both took flight to their fav spot in front of the park bench, then the shy one took off for it's corner in the lagoon. What amazing fishers these birds are!
There were hundreds of Cedar Waxwings as well and some Chickadees, and a female Common Merganser. Directions (from Kayo Roy's earlier posting): Once in Niagara Falls drive along the Niagara Parkway above the Falls to Dufferin Island. Lots of tourists there at this time of the year and parking can be a real problem. Go to the south entrance road to Dufferin Island and park here. IT IS FREE. Walk back across the Parkway towards the Falls and look for the small GATE HOUSE HYDRO building (less than a 5 minute walk). It is just south of the much larger old Toronto Hydro Building (sometimes called the Engineering building). There is a little parkette between these two buildings....walk along the NORTH side of Gate House building to the river edge. Look for the park bench closest to this small building, the heron was opposite this bench feeding on small fish standing on some very close shoreline rocks. Note: upon arriving, if you don't see the herons just out from the bench, search the area just up river and close to shore. The first bird we spotted remained in that area and seemed to prefer a little more seclusion. The second bird was a bit more outgoing Dan and Sue Suess ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
