Thanks to the reopening, twenty people were able to go birding together on Saturday, July 10th at Colonel Sam Smith Park, Toronto. Led by Lynne Freeman and Ivor Williams, the group spent an enjoyable morning exploring the ponds, lake shore, meadow and shrubland and forest bordering the stream.
We got great views of breeding birds: 2 active American Robin nests, a Warbling Vireo nest above the path with the parents actively feeding the nestlings, fledgling Red-winged Blackbirds and Grey Catbirds being fed, a fledgling male Downy Woodpecker, and recently fledged Tree Swallows resting in a tree. We observed Red-necked Grebes in the harbour, and studied the plumage of juvenile and adult Ring-billed Gull plumage. Being summer, we spent time listening and learning songs and calls. We also focussed on differentiating swallow species and sparrows. A big thank you to all participants for your enthusiasm, keen eyes and ears, your curiousity, and great questions! Lynne -- Lynne Freeman (she/her/hers) [email protected] "Be bold, be brave, be amazing" Simon de Pury - Work of Art -- 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 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.
