Yesterday, March 8th Bob Tyler, Jenny Bull and I did a short birding outing on Ward’s and Algonquin Islands and following are some of the 37 species we found.
Mute and Trumpeter Swans, Black Ducks, Canvasback, Redhead Ducks, both Scaup with 500+ Greater, 1 Surf Scoter, 59 White-winged Scoters, Sharp-shined and Red-tailed Hawks, an adult Iceland Gull, Red-bellied Woodpecker, 15 Downy Woodpeckers, 6 White-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creeper, Robins as usual, Tree Sparrows, 19 Cardinals, 71 Red-winged Blackbirds and 4 Common Grackles. Looking west from Algonquin Island we could see many, approx.. 500+ waterfowl, including Mute Swans off Olympic Island and the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. The Mockingbird is still being seen on and in the Algonquin Island areas and one resident spotted a Turkey Vulture high overhead. Many of the Island residents are now taking a keen interest in the birds down there and some will stop and tell what they saw or ask about what we are seeing or ask us to help with an ID of a bird or birds they saw. Tomorrow looks like a pretty nice day to be out birding. =========================================================================== Winter Ferry and Islands Information. Masked wearing is mandatory on the ferry. Note:- There is a washroom at the city side of the docks but the washroom on the ferry is closed due to Corvid and there is a washroom on Ward's Island straight out from the ferry dock at the corner of Lakeshore Ave. and Fifth St. There is also a washroom at the Island Fire Station west of the ferry dock and another one on Centre Island just west of the bridge. There are no washrooms or fountains on Algonquin Island and no washrooms on Snake Island. The Riviera Café just east of the bridge onto Algonquin Island (west of the ferry dock) is closed until next Spring. The Island Café straight out from the ferry dock is closed until further notice. Be aware that there are still some Frisbie players on Ward's Island so be alert in the course area. Note:- There are no washrooms on Gibraltar Point. The only washrooms open on Hanlan's is at the docks and at the Island Fire Station. You can obtain water at all washrooms All water fountains are turned off until next Spring. Another Note:- The Island ferry schedule - Be aware that there is only one ferry operating from now until next Spring (mid April) and that is to Ward's Island. The first boats are at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 am Monday to Saturday and 8:00 and 9:00 am on Sunday. And no matter how far you walk you will have to walk back to the Ward's Island ferry :>(( A bike would be a good idea if you have one. You can obtain ferry schedules, prices, restrictions, etc. at - https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/toronto-island-park/all-ferry-schedules/ Also be aware that the island school is now open and at recess there are many children out on in the school area, so please do not approach too close. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON -- Ontbirds and Birdnews are moderated email Listservs provided by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) as a service to all birders in Ontario. Birdnews is reserved for announcements, location summaries, first of year reports, etc. To post a message on Birdnews, send an email to: [email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Birdnews Moderators by email at [email protected]. Please review posting rules and guidelines at http://ofo.ca/site/content/listserv-guidelines To edit your membership settings visit the Birdnews setup page at: http://ontbirds.ca/mailman/listinfo/birdnews_ontbirds.ca. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Ontario birders should be taking extra precautions and following local, provincial, and federal regulations regarding physical distancing and non-essential travel. To find out more about OFO, please visit our website at ofo.ca or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists.
