[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today with some birds during the week.
Today Ian Cannell, Alfred Adamo and I birded Ward’s Island on the Toronto Islands and we had a decent day and following are some of the hi-lights. Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, 4 Black-billed Cuckoos, Belted Kingfisher, 2 and probable 3 Olive-sided Flycatchers, Eastern Wood-Pewees, 5 Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Least and Great Crested Flycatchers, several flycatcher species, Eastern Kingbirds, both Nuthatch species, Carolina and House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Veery, Gray-cheeked Thrush, lots of Gray Catbirds, Philadelphia, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, 20 warbler species including Ovenbird, 1 Connecticut (found by Ian), 1 nice male Mourning, Tennessee, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, juvenile Yellow-rumps, Cape May, Black-throated Blue and Blk-throated Green, Wilsons’s and Canada, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and still 24 Baltimore Orioles. Further Ward’s Island sightings. During the week starting Monday to yesterday (Friday) some of the birds seen were Horned Grebe, Osprey (both by Island resident birder Bob Tyler), Turkey Vultures, Cooper’s Hawks, Caspian and Common Terns, many Chimney Swifts and Cedar Waxwings, Tree, Bank, Cliff, Rough-winged and Barn Swallows, 1 Back-billed Cuckoo seen on the 24th and 1 on the 26th (Margaret Liubavicius), 2 Olive-sided Flycatchers on the 24th, 3 on the 26th (Margaret and Peter McParland), Eastern Phoebes, more Yellow-bellied, Great-crested and Least Flycatchers, 60+ Eastern Kingbirds and 100+ Chimney Swifts, R-Th Hummingbirds, N. Flickers, Swainson’s Thrush (Ian), 5 Brown Thrashers together, and on the 24th I found a nice adult female Prairie Warbler. For ferry schedules and prices go to the following web site http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=3690dada600f0410VgnVCM1071d60f89RCRD&vgnextfmt=default Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Today
Today Margaret Liubavicius and I birded Hanlan’s Point and on this beautiful fall day we did okay and following are some of the birds we found. Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawk, American Kestrels, 3 Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (FOS), Northern Flickers, Least Flycatchers, Eastern Phoebes, many Blue Jays, House Wren, Both Kinglets, (Golden-crowned being FOS), Gray-cheeked and Swainson’s Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrasher, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, 14 Warbler species including a few dozen Yellow-rumped Warblers and a Dozen or so Palm Warblers, Scarlet Tanager, Lincoln’s, White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows (White-crowned being FOS) and Dark-eyed Junco (FOS). Be aware if taking family birding on Hanlan’s Point – There were many naked men walking the trails in the dunes both beside and south of the clothing optional beach, some actually going right out to the paved public road. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS – FALL SCHEDULE – Take Note:- The last ferry to the city during the week is at 4:15 pm and you will have to walk all the way to the Centre Island ferry if you miss that one. Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.25 - Seniors / Students $4.75 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by go train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus – PS the street cars are now operating again from the Union Subway Stn to Queens Quay. If you are on the subway there is no charge if you choose to board a street car from within the Union Stn subway stop. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very, very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north of the ferry docks on Bay St. = NOTE 1: – For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay and the Food Court in the building on the northwest corner of Queens Quay and Bay Street is now open and this too has a Tim Horton’s but is closed on the weekends and holidays but the “PATHWAY” to and from Union Stn is open 7 days per week. NOTE 2:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Today
Despite the rain, but actually due to the overnight rain, it was raining warblers on the Toronto Islands. 23 species were recorded, many in high numbers e.g. Blackpoll (45), Bay-breasted (32), Magnolia (24), etc. Most of these were seen within 0.5 km. of the Hanlan's ferry docks. Flycatchers were also in abundance including 3 Olive-sided, 6 Yellow-belled, 8 E. Wood-Pewee and a somewhat late E. Kingbird and Great-crested Flycatcher. Good birding, Alfred Adamo ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today
Today Ian Cannell, Jay Peterson and I birded Ward’s Island and we found that migration has picked up since the first f this week. Some of the birds we found were 4 early Common Mergansers, 1 Osprey overhead, 3 Black-billed Cuckoos, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Belted Kingfisher, Olive-sided, Yellow-bellied, Willow, Least and Great crested Flycatchers, Eastern Wood-Pewees, many Eastern Kingbirds 25+, Carolina and House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, many Gray Catbirds and Cedar Waxwings, Warbling, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, 17 warbler species including Tennessee, Parula, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green , Blackburnian, Palm, Common Yellowthroat, Bay-breasted and Ovenbird, and many Baltimore Orioles and Scarlet Tanager was seen by Bill Smith and Peter McParland. It should get better over the next few weeks especially with the passing of a cool front and / or northerly winds overnight, still lots to come as most of the warblers were juvenile birds and thrushes and sparrows have not started yet, then there are the raptors and waterfowl to come. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - SUMMER SCHEDULE Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.25 - Seniors / Students $4.75 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by go train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus – PS the street cars are now operating again from the Union Subway Stn to Queens Quay. If you are on the subway there is no charge if you choose to board a street car from within the Union Stn subway stop. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very, very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north of the ferry docks on Bay St. = NOTE 1: – For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay and the Food Court in the building on the northwest corner of Queens Quay and Bay Street is now open and this too has a Tim Horton’s but is closed on the weekends and holidays but the “PATHWAY” to and from Union Stn is open 7 days per week. NOTE 2:- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands NOTE 3:- Despite what the ferry schedules on the internet and the printed one available at the docks say the first ferry to Hanlan’s Point leaves at 8 am and NOT 9 am. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today - Waterfowl +Migrants
This morning I finally went to The Islands and I birded the eastern end only, from the eastern gap to Snake Island and following are some of the migrants that have arrived, some in numbers and some as single representatives. Pied-billed Grebe, 18 Waterfowl species including Green-winged Teal, A. Wigeon, Lesser Scaup and Ruddy Duck, A, Coot, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, N. Flicker, E. Phoebe, Carolina and Winter Wrens, G-c Kinglet, E. Towhee, Fox Sparrow, many Song Sparrows and Pine Siskin. Hopefully after this week when Spring may arrive there will be many more migrants. DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - WINTER SCHEDULE - ONLY THE FERRY TO WARD=S OPERATES IN THE WINTER Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC=s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen=s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC=s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen=s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen=s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north on of the ferry docks on Bay St. === NOTE: For those who arrive at the docks early or need the fix there is a Tim Hortons across from the ferry dock entrance just east of the corner of Bay St. and Queens Quay and the Food Court in the building on the northwest corner of Queens Quay and Bay Street is now open. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada You can't see birds if you don't go out but sit and wait for others to find them. ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today
Today I joined Alfred Adamo, Gavin Platt and Margaret Liubavicius for a beautiful fall day of birding and later on I was spotted by Alexandra Soliman and Brent Osojima so I joined them for a couple of hours of birding. All of our birding was on Hanlan’s Point only and following are some of the 59 species of birds that were found by the crowd. Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Common Mergansers, Northern Harrier, Cooper’s Hawk, American Kestrels, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Common Snipes, 5 woodpecker species including 2 Red-headed Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Eastern Phoebes, 50+ migrating Blue Jays, Brown Creepers, 2 House Wrens, Winter Wrens, many Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, many Hermit Thrushes, Gray Catbird, 50+ American Pipits, Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos, 10 warbler species including a minimum of 10 Orange-crowned Warblers (don’t have others totals), many Nashville Warblers, 2 Northern Parulas, 150++ Palm Warblers, Wilson’s Warbler (found by another birder), 11 sparrow species including Eastern Towhees, Nelson’s Sparrow (found by Gavin), Lincoln’s Sparrows, 10+ Swamp Sparrows, many White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Bobolink, and Rusty Blackbirds. NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 TORONTO ISLANDS - FALL SCHEDULE Note:- After October 15th there will be no ferries to Hanlan’s Point or Centre Island until April 2014, the Ward’s Island ferry will continue to operate during that period as usual. If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby. One is located just a block north of the ferry docks. Another Note:- After October 14th there will be no ferry to Hanlan’s Point or Centre Island until next April, only the Ward’s Island ferry will be running until then. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands - Today & yesterday - Cranes, Y-b Cuckoo, raptors and Warblers
Yesterday Ian Cannell, Margaret Liubavicius and I birded Ward’s and Algonquin Islands and though we did not experience a fall out by a long shot our work and patience did produce some nice birds and following is a list of some of them. 10 Sandhill Cranes flying west high up in the sky in the early morning were spotted by Ian and Margaret, 4 Osprey, 18 Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawk, an early Broad-winged Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Yellow-bellied and Least Flycatchers, both Nuthatches, Carolina Wren, Veery, Warbling, Philadelphia and Red-eyed Vireos, and 19 Warbler species including an early Orange-crowned Warbler, 7 Northern Parulas, Palm Warbler, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrushes,Wilson’s and Canada Warblers. Today I went over to Ward’s Island by myself and it was very, very bird quiet and I only stayed for a couple of hours but I did manage to find 7 Warbler species including a Pine Warbler, a Blackburnian Warbler and 2 Mourning Warblers making it 22 Warbler species for the 2 days. It can only get better as many migrant passerines have still not shown up yet, especially the Thrushes and Sparrows. NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/torontoislands.php DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 TORONTO ISLANDS - FALL SCHEDULE If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby. One is located just a block north of the ferry docks. Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Today - Quiet - BUT
This morning Margaret Liubavicius and I birded Ward’s and Algonquin Islands and despite the overnight northerly winds it was very quiet and very, very humid down there with few birds BUT we did dig out some nice birds anyway including Great Egret, Osprey, Merlin, Black-billed Cuckoo, several Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Ovenbird, Canada Warblers and both Waterthrushes including great close up looks for 10 minutes (only feet away) at 2 Louisiana Waterthrushes. These two birds were together, a nice surprise. Margaret also pointed out 2 Giant Swallowtail Butterflies. == DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS TORONTO ISLANDS - SUMMER SCHEDULE Note:- Fare :- Adults $7.00 - Seniors / Students $4.50 If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC's Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen's Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC's Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. Note:- This bus stop is temporarily moved to the northwest side of Front St. They both go down Bay Street to Queen's Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC's Union Subway Station to Queen's Quay (no transfer from the subway required). Note:- This streetcar is not running for the foreseeable future due to construction on Queens Quay. For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. to Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St.only steps from the ferry docks entrance. For ferry schedules - check - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen's Quay, there are very few parking lots nearby (all for a fee). One of these parking lots is located just a block north on of the ferry docks on Bay St. = NOTE :- If you want to learn more about birding on the Toronto Islands you can access my Toronto Islands Birding And Site Guide on the OFO web site at:- http://www.ofo.ca/webapp/site/page/view/articles.torontoislands Norm Murr Richmond Hill Ontario, Canada ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today -
Good afternoon folks. Today I spent a half day birding Ward’s and Algonquin Islands with Bill Smith, Margaret Liubavicius and Peter McParland but left early them to continue on with out me. It wasn’t as busy as Saturday but it was a good day to be birding down there and we were busy enough and following are some of the 66 species of birds that we saw together plus the ones that Bill, Margaret and Peter saw after I abandoned them. Common Loons, Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, White-winged Scoters, Hooded Merganser, Turkey Vultures, N. Harrier, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks, 25+ Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, E. Phoebes, 900+ Blue Jays, Brown Creepers, Winter Wren, both kinglet species, Swainson’s and Hermit Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, A. Pipit, Blue-headed and Philadelphia Vireos, 14 warbler species including Orange-crowned, Cape May, Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green, Palm, Bay-breasted and Blackpoll Warblers, and N. Parulas, E. Towhee, Chipping, Song, Swamp and White-crowned Sparrows, 100+ White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Rusty Blackbirds and 70+ Pine Siskins. Good company as usual - Thanks Peter, Margaret & Bill. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS - FALL SCHEDULE DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. TORONTO ISLAND - FERRY FARES AND DAILY SCHEDULES There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/fallschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands and on the city side ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks. The 1st boat to Ward’s Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 7:45 am ) The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 8:15 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just outside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and / or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machines do not make change. There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. A new Second Cup Coffee Shop has opened in the southeast area of Bay St. and Lakeshore Blvd and opens at 7 am 7 days per week. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the “Kitchen Table” and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. Food and beverages on The Islands when open are very expensive i.e. soft drinks e.g. $3.20 plus and Hot Dogs $4.25. There are washrooms and water fountains through out and a washrooms is also located at the fire station. PS - There is a map of the Islands at each of the Island side ferry docks and the City side and a small brochure is now a
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Today - Red-throated Loon, Sandhill Cranes, Winter Gulls, etc., etc.
Good evening. Just got back from visiting to the Toronto Islands with Margaret Liubavicius and Ian Cannell and a very productive but windy visit it was and following are some of the birds we found on and over The Islands. Red-throated Loon overhead, Pied-billed Grebes and Canvasbacks (Trout pond), Wood Ducks overhead, Black-crowned night-Herons (Snug Harbour), Turkey Vultures, Sharp-shined Hawks and Cooper’s Hawks overhead, 2 Sandhill Cranes flying north, juvenile Glaucous Gull, Juvenile and adult Iceland Gulls, adult Thayer’s Gull and adult Lesser-Black-backed Gull all on the Hanlan’s Point beach, Caspian overhead and on Hanlan’s beach, Common Terns overhead, Belted Kingfishers, 4 Woodpecker species including Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and many Northern Flickers, Eastern Phoebes, Hermit Thrushes, Brown Creepers, Winter Wrens, 4 Swallow species including Barn, Tree, Rough-winged and Purple Martins, both Kinglets, Purple Finch, Yellow-rumped Warblers, 8 sparrow species including Fox, White-crowned, White-throated, many Song, Chipping and Eastern Towhees as well as many of the expected more common species. Note:- If birding Hanlan’s Point (especially the dunes area on the east side) keep an eye out for the 2 Wild Turkeys that have left the Wildlife Sanctuary, they wintered there. We did not see them this trip but did see their tracks in the sand so they are a possible sighting. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, Ontario Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS - SPRING SCHEDULE DIRECTIONS TO THE TORONTO ISLAND FERRY DOCKS If you are on the subway southbound get off at the TTC’s Union Subway Station, walk south on Bay Street (on the east side of the station) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks (well signed) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the TTC’s Union Subway Station on the TTC you may transfer to the #6 or the #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. Go passengers arriving by train or bus must pay a fare to use the TTC bus or streetcar. For those that need the fix if you have the time before heading down to the docks there are many coffee shops and fast food outlets in the Go Station when you get off of the subway at the Union Subway Station and they will be open as early as you can arrive there. When running there is a street car (#509 Harbourfront) that goes from inside the TTC’s Union Subway Station to Queen’s Quay (no transfer required). For those who choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens at 9 a.m. you can catch the #97B Yonge St. Blue Night bus (Steeles Ave. To Queens Quay). This bus will let you off right across the street on Bay St. only steps from the ferry docks entrance. You may also want to visit the TTC web page http://www.ttc.ca/ for trip planning assistance. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block or so west of the ferry docks. TORONTO ISLAND - FERRY FARES AND DAILY SCHEDULES There are washrooms and drinking fountains ( some not open yet ) on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks. Washrooms are also located at the fire station and are always open and very clean. The 1st boat to Ward’s Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 a.m. and the 2nd is 7:00 a.m. Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 a.m. and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 7:45 a.m. ) The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 8:00 a.m. and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 a.m. Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 8:15 a.m. and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early a.m. ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and / or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machines do not make change. ( BE SURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY ). Note:- Construction of new ticket booths and entrance is now in progress and should be completed before the Summer season starts. Follow the arrows to either the ticket booth or the ticket machines. There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 a.m. on week days but only opens at 9 a.m. on the Saturdays that’s if it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. A new Second
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Today - Western Kingbird and other migrants
Good evening folks. Today Ian Cannell, Margaret Liubavicius and I spent most of the day just birding Hanlans Point.We figured that with the rainy and windy weather the past couple of days that many birds would decide to move last night and this seems to be what happened as the number of Sparrows and Phoebes seemed to have drastically increased since we were there on Thursday. The best bird by a long shot was a Western Kingbird at the south end of the airfield fence at 11:45am. Ian and I were standing talking about how nice a day it had been ( bird and weather wise ) up to this time when a bird flew in from behind us and landed on the tip of a Lilac bush right in front of us. The bird of course was the Western Kingbird. About 10 minutes later Margaret rejoined us and we refound the bird as it seemed to have disapperaed right after we found it the first time. This bird was a life Ontario / Canada bird for both Margaret and Ian and a life Island bird for me. We could have headed home right then and been happy but we continued on birding Hanlans and following are some of the birds we found. Great Blue Herons, Canvasbacks, Greater Scaup, N. Harrier, lots of Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Merlins, Peregrine Falcon, Y-B Sapsuckers, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, 71 E. Phoebes, Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creepers, Winter Wrens, both Kinglets in good numbers, 36 Hermit Thrushes, migrating Robins, Gray Catbirds, American Pipits overhead, Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos, 2 Orange-crowned Warblers ( same on Thursday ), Nashville Warblers, Magnolia Warbler, many Yellow-rumped Warblers, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, 2 very nice male Pine Warblers, 42 Palm Warblers, Chipping, Field, Fox, Lincoln's, and Swamp Sparrows, 350 plus White-throated and 100 plus White-crowned Sparrows, many Dark-eyed Juncos, 125 plus A. Goldfinch migrating past, several hundred migrating Red-winged Blackbirds high overhead, 4 Rusty Blackbirds and 4 Eastern Meadowlarks. Thursday we had about the same mix but with far different totals for some species plus we also found the following birds :- American Bittern, Wood Ducks, Gadwall, Turkey Vultures, Belted Kingfishers, Swainson's Thrushes, and Eastern Towhee. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS ( Ward's Island to Hanlan's Point - without side trips is 5 km ) Now on the Fall Schedule. NOTE:- THE WINTER SCHEDULE STARTS ON TUESDAY - NO CENTRE ISLAND FERRY AND REDUCED TRIPS TO HANLANS POINT. If you are on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south on Bay Street ( on the east side of the station ) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen's Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks ( well signed ) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the Union GO Station on the TTC. You may transfer to either the # 6 or #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen's Quay. When running there is a street car ( #509 Harbourfront ) that goes from the Union Station to Queen's Quay ( no transfer required ). For those that choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #320 Yonge St. Blue Night bus. This bus will let you off right across the street from the ferry docks entrance. This bus is the night time 97B Yonge St. bus. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen's Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block east of the ferry docks. There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/fallschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks. The 1st boat to Ward's Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward's is at 7:45 am ) The 1st boat to Hanlan's Point is 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 8:15 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and / or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machine does not make change. But - There
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today - Grebes, Whip-poor-will, Blk-B Cuckoo, Warblers, Sparrows, etc.
Good morning folks. Yesterday Ian Cannell, Gunnar Bessel and I birded Hanlans Point again and thanks to those guys we came up with some nice Fall birds. When we first disembarked from the ferry on Hanlans it looked like a day without many prospects with the lack of birds and bird sounds but within a few minutes we bumped into several White-throated Sparrows and a group of 3 Black-throated Green Warblers and it was uphill from there. Below are some of the birds we did find between the ferry dock and the Trout Pond :- Pied-billed Grebe, 1 migrating juvenile Bald Eagle, several Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, 1 Northern Goshawk, Black-billed Cuckoo, Whip-poor-will, ( as we stood yacking it flew out of a small Pine Tree beside us ), 20+ Y-B Sapsuckers, 40+ Eastern Phoebes, both Nuthatches, Winter Wrens, both Kinglets, Swainson's and Hermit Thrushes, 6 Blue-headed Vireos, only 8 Warbler species including 7 Orange-crowned, Black-throated Blue, 3 Pine, and 49 Palm Warblers, and just 7 Sparrow species including Clay-colored, Field, Lincoln's, Swamp, 300+ White-throated and 50+ White-crowned Sparrows. As we returned to the Toronto Ferry Docks on the way home we spotted a Horned Grebe on Toronto Harbour. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS ( Ward’s Island to Hanlan’s Point - without side trips is 5 km ) Note:- There will be no ferry to Hanlans Point from the 4th to the 9th of October but a bus will be available to take you from Hanlans to the Centre Island Ferry. Now on the Fall Schedule. If you are on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south on Bay Street ( on the east side of the station ) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks ( well signed ) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the Union GO Station on the TTC. You may transfer to either the # 6 or #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. When running there is a street car ( #509 Harbourfront ) that goes from the Union Station to Queen’s Quay ( no transfer required ). For those that choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #320 Yonge St. Blue Night bus. This bus will let you off right across the street from the ferry docks entrance. This bus is the night time 97B Yonge St. bus. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block east of the ferry docks.There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/fallschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks.The 1st boat to Ward’s Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 7:45 am )The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 am Monday to Friday.The 1st is at 8:15 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and / or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machine does not make change. But - There is a change machine ($5, $10 and $20 dollar bills) there if you want to chance it. There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the "Kitchen Table" and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. Food and beverages on The Islands when open are very expensive i.e. soft drinks e.g. $3.20 plus and Hot Dogs $4.25. There are washrooms and water fountains through out and a washrooms is also located at the fire station.PS - There is a map of the Islands at each of the Island side ferry docks and the City side and a small brochure is now available at the ticket booth and in the schedule containers that also contains a map of the islands. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON "Sils mordent, mords les"
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today after northerly winds
I only birded Part of Wards Island today and though it was so slow early in the morning that I checked the ferry schedule for the return ferry back to the city. Before I could put my binoculars away I heard a couple of chips and that was the end of going home for awhile. In the next 2 hours I found 15 Warbler and 4 Vireo species aas well as few other species but I did leave early as there was a frisbee (disc) golf tournament in progress with many participents playing and plenty of frisbees to dodge. Following are a few of the birds I did find in the 2 hours there - 1 Peregrine Falcon, 4 N. Parulas, 2 Palm Warblers, 3 N. Waterthrushes, Yellow-rumped, Blackpoll, Blacburnian, 8 Wilson's, Tennessee, and Black-throated Blue Warblers, Philadelphia, Blue-headed, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos, Scarlet Tanager, Swainson's Thrushes, 12 N. Flickers, and Red-breasted Nuthatches. There was not, up to 12 noon any Raptor movement over The Islands at all. Next week one should watch for Connecticut and Orange-crowned Warblers and an increased Raptor and Paserine movenment, Sparrows can not be too far behind. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS ( Ward’s Island to Hanlan’s Point is 5 km - ( that's about 8 to 10 birding kms ) NOW ON THE FALL SCHEDULE If you are on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south on Bay Street ( on the east side of the station ) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks ( well signed ) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the Union GO Station on the TTC. You may transfer to either the # 6 or #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. When running there is a street car ( #509 Harbourfront ) that goes from the Union Station to Queen’s Quay ( no transfer required ). For those that choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #320 Yonge St. Blue Night bus. This bus will let you off right across the street from the ferry docks entrance. This bus is the night time 97B Yonge St. bus. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block east of the ferry docks.There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/fallschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks.The 1st boat to Ward’s Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 7:45 am )The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 am Monday to Friday.The 1st is at 8:15 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and / or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machine does not make change. But - There is a change machine ($5, $10 and $20 dollar bills) there if you want to chance it. There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the "Kitchen Table" and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. Food and beverages on The Islands when open are very expensive i.e. soft drinks e.g. $3.00 plus, Hot Dogs $4.25. There are drinking fountains through out and washrooms are also located at the fire station on Wards Island. PS - There is a map of the Islands at each of the Island side ferry docks and the City side and a small brochure is now available at the ticket booth and in the schedule containers that also contains a map of the islands. Another PS I have drawn a map of the Islands in PDF format and also an anotated description of the route I usually take. If you would like a copy please contact me in private at norm...@sympatico.ca Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON "Sils mordent, mords les" _
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today - Flycatchers and Warblers.
This morning Margaret and I only birded Wards and Algonquin Islands for probably the last visit down there this season and we were not disappointed except we didn't find a Connecticut Warbler or an Olive-sided Flycatcher but we did find 7 Flycatcher species and 12 Warbler Species. E. Wood-Pewees, E. Phoebe, E. Kingbirds, Yellow-bellied, Willow, Least, and Great Crested Flycatchers, all calling - multiples of all these birds. Among the 12 Warbler species were a Blackburnian male, 14 Blackpoll Warblers, males and females, female Cape May Warbler, 2 singing Mourning Warblers and 5 Wilson's Warblers. We also found a female Indigo Bunting and overhead were approx. 150 Chimney Swifts. A nice end to the Spring migration on The Islands. Looking forward to the Fall migration after the middle of August. Directions TORONTO ISLANDS ( Ward’s Island to Hanlan’s Point - without side trips is 5 km ) Now on the Summer Schedule. If you are on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south on Bay Street ( on the east side of the station ) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks ( well signed ) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.To get to the Toronto Islands from the Union GO Station on the TTC. You may transfer to either the # 6 or #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. When running there is a street car ( #509 Harbourfront ) that goes from the Union Station to Queen’s Quay ( no transfer required ). For those that choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #320 Yonge St. Blue Night bus. This bus will let you off right across the street from the ferry docks entrance. This bus is the night time 97B Yonge St. bus. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block east of the ferry docks.There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site. http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/summerschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks.The 1st boat to Ward’s Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:00 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 8:00 am )The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 9:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:30 am Monday to Friday.The 1st is at 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:45 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and / or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machine does not make change. But - There is a change machine ($5, $10 and $20 dollar bills) there if you want to chance it. There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the "Kitchen Table" and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. Food and beverages on The Islands when open are very expensive i.e. soft drinks $3.20 plus. There are drinking fountains and washrooms through out. PS - There is a map of the Islands at each of the Island side ferry docks and the City side and a small brochure is now available at the ticket booth and in the schedule containers that also contains a map of the islands. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON "Sils mordent, mords les" ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today - Orange-crowned Warbler, Bluebirds, etc.
Good evening Today on a nice sunny and warm but slow migration day down on the Toronto Islands Margaret Liubavicius and I came up with some nice birds and following as usual are some of the ones we found. 8 Canvasbacks, Hooded Merganser, Cooper's Hawks, Chimney Swifts, Belted Kingfisher, Great Crested Flycatchers, Eastern Kingbirds, Blue-headed and Warbling Vireos, 3 Eastern Bluebirds on Hanlans, Veerys, Swainson's, Hermit and Wood Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrashers, House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Purple Martin, Cliff , Barn, Tree, and Rough-winged Swallows Swallows, Orange-crowned Warbler ( a nice male singing on Wards Island ), Nashville, Magnolia, Cape May, Black-throated blue, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, and other Warblers, Savannah, Chipping, White-crowned, and Field Sparrows, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Bunting, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles. Blue Jays and Cedar Waxwings are now showing up in good nimbers as they pass through The Islands on the way to their nesting territories. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS ( Ward’s Island to Hanlan’s Point - without side trips is 5 km ) Now on the Spring Schedule. If you are on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south on Bay Street ( on the east side of the station ) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks ( well signed ) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the Union GO Station on the TTC. You may transfer to either the # 6 or #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. When running there is a street car ( #509 Harbourfront ) that goes from the Union Station to Queen’s Quay ( no transfer required ). For those that choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #320 Yonge St. Blue Night bus. This bus will let you off right across the street from the ferry docks entrance. This bus is the night time 97B Yonge St. bus. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block east of the ferry docks.There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site. http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/summerschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains ( some not open yet ) on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks. Washrooms are also located at the fire station and are always open and very clean.The 1st boat to Ward’s Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 7:45 am )The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 am Monday to Friday.The 1st is at 8:15 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and / or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machine does not make change. But - There is a change machine ($5, $10 and $20 dollar bills) there if you want to chance it. There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café and a Second Cup) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that’s if it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the "Kitchen Table" and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. Food and beverages on The Islands when open are very expensive i.e. Soft Drinks $3.25, Lemonade $3.25. And Water $3.00.PS - There is a map of the Islands at each of the Island side ferry docks and the City side and a small brochure is now available at the ticket booth and in the schedule containers that also contains a map of the islands. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON "Sils mordent, mords les" ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Today - White-eyed Vireo, etc.
Good evening all. Today Marilyn Murphy joined Ian Cannell, Margaret Liubavicius and myself for a pleasent spring time walk through The Islands and on the way as we sauntered along we found some nice birds as well as the usual birds to be found down there. By far the best bird today was a White-eyed Vireo found by Ian on Hanlans Point and following are some of the other birds the 4 of us came up with despite the slow progess of migration down there.. Hooded Mergansers, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper's Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Common Loons overhead, Least Flycatchers, Eastern Phoebes, Eastern Kingbirds, 4 Blue-headed and 10 Warbling Vireos, Swainson's and Hermit Thrushes, Gray Catbird, 9 Brown Thrashers, Brown Creeper, Winter and House Wrens, 15 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, 4 Swallow species including Rough-winged and Cliff, only 9 Warbler species including Nashville, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Blue, Palm and Black-and-white Warblers, Ovenbird and N. Waterthrush, 12 White-crowned ( increasing ) and Field Sparrows, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Baltimore Orioles ( both increasing ). Great weather and great company ( as usual ). Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS ( Ward’s Island to Hanlan’s Point - without side trips is 5 km ) Now on the Spring Schedule. If you are on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south on Bay Street ( on the east side of the station ) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks ( well signed ) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the Union GO Station on the TTC. You may transfer to either the # 6 or #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. When running there is a street car ( #509 Harbourfront ) that goes from the Union Station to Queen’s Quay ( no transfer required ). For those that choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #320 Yonge St. Blue Night bus. This bus will let you off right across the street from the ferry docks entrance. This bus is the night time 97B Yonge St. bus. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block east of the ferry docks.There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site. http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/summerschedule.htmThere are washrooms and drinking fountains ( some not open yet ) on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks. Washrooms are also located at the fire station and are always open and very clean.The 1st boat to Ward’s Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 7:45 am )The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 am Monday to Friday.The 1st is at 8:15 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and / or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machine does not make change. But - There is a change machine ($5, $10 and $20 dollar bills) there if you want to chance it. There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café and a Second Cup) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that’s if it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the "Kitchen Table" and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. Food and beverages on The Islands when open are very expensive i.e. soft drinks and water cost $3.25 plus.PS - There is a map of the Islands at each of the Island side ferry docks and the City side and a small brochure is now available at the ticket booth and in the schedule containers that also contains a map of the islands. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON "Sils mordent, mords les" ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS v
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today - Blue-winged Warbler, Orchard Oriole, Red-bellied Woodpecker, etc.
Margaret Liubavicius and I spent a long hard day at the office ( Oops I mean on The Islands ) in beautiful Spring Weather. While we did not experience a fall out we did find some nice birds and the change of species and numbers was very different compared with last week. Following are some of the birds we did find. Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, 3 Spotted Sandpipers, many Common Terns, Belted Kingfishers, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, 46 N. Flickers, 10 Downy Woodpeckers, Eastern Phoebes, Great Crested Flycatchers, Eastern Kingbird, 16 Brown Thrashers, Veery, Swainson's Thrush, Wood Thrushes, 60+ Hermit Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, 16 Brown Thrashers, Winter and House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Purple Martins, Cliff Swallows, both Kinglets ( 100+ Ruby-crowned ), Purple Finch, Blue-winged Warbler, Nashville Warblers, Yellow Warblers, 100+ Yellow-rumped Warblers, Black-throated Green Warbler, 3 Pine Warblers, Palm Warblers including 1 Yellow Palm, Black-and-white Warblers, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Song, Swamp, White-crowned, 250+ White-throated, Savannah, 45 Chipping and 15 Field Sparrows, 14 Eastern Towhees, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a 1st Summer male Orchard Oriole ( in full song ). A tiring day but well worth it. After tomorrow it can only get better down there. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS ( Ward’s Island to Hanlan’s Point - without side trips is 5 km ) Now on the Spring Schedule. If you are on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south on Bay Street ( on the east side of the station ) for about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queen’s Quay and you are there. The entrance to the ferry docks ( well signed ) is on the west side of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. To get to the Toronto Islands from the Union GO Station on the TTC. You may transfer to either the # 6 or #6A Bay St. TTC bus on Bay Street just outside of the east entrance to the GO Station. They both go down Bay Street to Queen’s Quay. When running there is a street car ( #509 Harbourfront ) that goes from the Union Station to Queen’s Quay ( no transfer required ). For those that choose to head down to the docks on Sunday before the Subway opens you can catch the #320 Yonge St. Blue Night bus. This bus will let you off right across the street from the ferry docks entrance. This bus is the night time 97B Yonge St. bus. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queen’s Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). These parking lots are located just a block north of the ferry docks with more a block east of the ferry docks.There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193 or check the following web site. http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/summerschedule.htm There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks.The 1st boat to Ward’s Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday and Holidays. ( Note:- On Sundays the first ferry to Ward’s is at 7:45 am )The 1st boat to Hanlan’s Point is 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:30 am Monday to Friday.The 1st is at 8:15 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and / or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machine does not make change. But - There is a change machine ($5, $10 and $20 dollar bills) there if you want to chance it. There is coffee shop ( Treat’s Café ) across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the "Kitchen Table" and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. Food and beverages on The Islands when open are very expensive i.e. soft drinks e.g. $3.00 plus. There are some drinking fountains operational. Washrooms are also located at the fire station. PS - There is a map of the Islands at each of the Island side ferry docks and the City side and a small brochure is now available at the ticket booth and in the schedule containers that also contains a map of the islands. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON "Sils mordent, mords les" ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornith
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands today - things are picking up.
Good evening Today Ian Cannell, Margaret Liubavicius and I birded the Toronto Islands to check on the migration progress down there and we were not disappointed at all. Below are some of the birds we found. 100+ Cormorants heading to the Leslie Street Spit nesting sites, 20 Wood Ducks ( 1 flock of 18 overhead ), Canvasbacks, all 3 Mergansers, Black-crowned night-Herons, Cooper's Hawk, A. Coot, 15+ Killdeer, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, N. Flickers, 9 E. Phoebes, Brown Creepers, Winter Wrens ( singing ), Tree Swallows, 50+ Golden-crowned Kinglets, 5 Fox Sparrows ( some singing ), 90+ Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, Field Sparrows and Eastern Meadowlark. The birds were great but the real high light of the day would be the 2 Opossums that we watched ( up close ) for a few minutes each. Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON "Sils mordent, mords les" ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
[Ontbirds]Toronto Islands today
This morning Peter McParland, Ian Cannell and I birded Wards and Snake Islands and then headed home before the heat set in. It was a relatively quiet morning but we did find some migrants among the large numbers of Cedar Waxwings, Robins and A. Goldfinch. We spotted 2 Common Loons overhead early then walked on to find Black-crowned night-Herons roosting in the trees on Wards Island and Snug Harbour. While looking at some Warblers an Osprey flew past us low over one of the lagoons. Other birds seen were Black-billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swifts, R-T Hummingbirds, B. Kingfishers, E. Wood-Pewee, Willow and Least Flycatchers, E. Kingbirds ( 23 ), 5 Swallow species, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers ( 11 ), Yellow, Magnolia, Blackburnian, Black-and-white, Canada and Yellow-rumped Warblers as well as A. Redstarts and 21 Baltimore Orioles. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS ( Wards Island to Hanlans Point - without side trips is 5 km ) - Now on the Summer Schedule. To get to the Toronto Islands from Queen and Yonge Streets on the TTC. If your on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay and you are there. You may also transfer to the # 97B TTC Bus on Bay Street just outside of the entrance to the GO Station that goes down bay Street to Queens Quay. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queens Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee).There is a fee for using the island ferries ( $6.50 adult / $4.00 for seniors and students ( all fares are return ) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193. There are washrooms and drinking fountains on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks or check on line ( see below ).The 1st boat to Wards Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:00 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.The 1st boat to Hanlans Point is 9:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 9:30 am Monday to Friday.The 1st is at 8:00 am and the 2nd boat is at 8:45 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. If arriving in early am ( before 7:30 ) you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and / or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machine does not make change. But - There is a change machine ($5, $10 and $20 dollar bills) there if you want to chance it. There is coffee shop across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner ( opens before 6:30 am on week days but only opens at 9 am on the Saturdays that it doesn’t rain ). You may also purchase do-nuts, etc. here. Also just a little east on Queen’s Quay ( less than a block ) there is the "Kitchen Table" and they are open at 6 am - 7 days per week. Besides coffee you may also buy food and beverages at the Kitchen Table if you forget a lunch. Food and beverages on The Islands when open are very expensive i.e. soft drinks $3.00 plus. If you are birding from Wards the soft drink machine beside the fire station sells juice, iced tea, etc. for $1.00.and $1.25.For a detailed ferry schedule check the following web site. http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/summerschedule.htm Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON "Sils mordent, mords les" ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds]Toronto Islands Today - Caspian Tern, Yellow-rumps, etc.
Good evening Today I joined Ian Cannell, Margaret Liubavicius and Ed O'Conner for another nice day of birding on The Islands and this time we had a total number of Waxwings of 1 Cedar Waxwing. The company was great and the birds were pretty good and following are some of the ones we found. Black-crowned night-Herons, Wood Ducks, Redhead, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, White-winged Scoters including an interesting first Spring female, Hooded and Common Mergansers, Cooper's Hawks, Caspian Tern, Belted Kingfishers, 22 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, 12 Downy Woodpeckers, 56 Northern Flickers, Eastern Phoebes, Tree Swallows, Winter Wrens, 39 Golden-crowned Kinglets, 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 6 Hermit Thrushes, Brown Thrasher, 1 Shrike Sp., 8 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 11 Fox Sparrows, 59 Song Sparrows, and White-throated Sparrows. Some of the above birds are a sample of good things ahead for the next month and a half. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS - WINTER SCHEDULE (Wards Island to Hanlans Point - without side trips is 5 km) To get to the Toronto Islands from Queen and Yonge Streets on the TTC. If your on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay and you are there. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queens Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). There is a fee for using the island ferries ($6.00 adult / $3.50 for seniors & students) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193. There are washrooms on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks or check on line. The 1st boat to Wards Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to riday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. The 1st boat to Hanlans Point is 9:00 am - Monday to Friday only. There are no boats to Centre Island in the Winter Note:- If you start at Wards Island then be aware that the only ferries from Hanlans Point are at 9:15 am, 11:15 am, 1:15 pm and the last one at 3:45 pm. If you miss this one you will have to walk all the way back to the Wards Island ferry dock. If arriving in early am you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and/or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machine does not make change. (There is a change machine there if you want to chance it). There are coffee shops across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner and they are open early. Food and beverages on The Islands are not available during the winter and the water fountains are turned off until at least April. For a detailed ferry schedule check the following web site. http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/springschedule.htm Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON "Sils mordent, mords les" ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
[Ontbirds] Toronto Islands Today - Bohemian Waxwings again plus lots of other stuff
Good Evening Today on a beautiful almost Spring day I travelled down to the Toronto Islands and there have been lots of changes since last Thursday besides the bird makeup. Most of the snow has gone except in shaded areas and I was able to walk through most areas. The large lagoons are still frozen but there is a lot more open water than last week. The number and variety of singing birds has increased as well. I started as usual at the Wards Island end and besides the birds I will list below I also had a visit ( right over my head in a large Cottonwood ) by a flock of very vocal 68 Bohemian Waxwings and this was within 10 minutes of finding a flock of 36 Cedar Waxwings about 50 yards away in low bushes and trees. Later as I walked along I saw 3 more Bohemian Waxwings. Following are some of the other birds I encountered as I strolled along - Pied-billed Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Great Blue Heron, 5 Wood Ducks, Green-winged Teal, A. Wigeons, Redheads, 22 Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, 10 White-winged Scoters, Common Mergansers, 36 Hooded Mergansers, 9 Killdeer, Great Horned Owl, 2 B. Kingfishers, N. Flickers, 5 E. Phoebes, Tree Swallow, Brown Creeper, Winter Wrens, Eastern Bluebird, A. Tree Sparrows, Field Sparrows, Fox Sparrow, 74 Song Sparrows and White-crowned Sparrow. Directions:- TORONTO ISLANDS - WINTER SCHEDULE (Wards Island to Hanlans Point - without side trips is 5 km) To get to the Toronto Islands from Queen and Yonge Streets on the TTC. If your on the subway southbound stay on it and get off at Union Station, walk south about 1 km to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay and you are there. If in an auto on the Gardener Expressway or on Lakeshore Blvd, then exit at Bay Street and drive south to Queens Quay, there are lots of parking lots nearby (fee). There is a fee for using the island ferries ($6.00 adult / $3.50 for seniors & students) and to find out the sailing times you can phone (416) 392-8193. There are washrooms on the islands as well as the city side at the ferry docks and you can pick up a schedule at the docks or check on line. The 1st boat to Wards Island (my preferred starting point) is 6:35 am and the 2nd is 7:00 am Monday to Friday. The 1st is at 6:35 am and the 2nd boat is at 7:15 am on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. The 1st boat to Hanlans Point is 9:00 am - Monday to Friday only.There are no boats to Centre Island in the Winter Note:- If you start at Wards Island then be aware that the only ferries from Hanlans Point are at 9:15 am, 11:15 am, 1:15 pm and the last one at 3:45 pm. If you miss this one you will have to walk all the way back to the Wards Island ferry dock. If arriving in early am you must obtain your ticket from a machine just inside the gate so be sure to have $1.00 and $2.00 and/or 25 cent coins before you arrive at the docks as there is no place to get change and the machine does not make change. (There is a change machine there if you want to chance it). There are coffee shops across from the ferry docks in the building on the northwest corner and they are open early. Food and beverages on The Islands are not available during the winter and the water fountains are turned off until at least April. For a detailed ferry schedule check the following web site. http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/springschedule.htm Norm Murr Richmond Hill, ON "Sils mordent, mords les" ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
