Last afternoon and evening I visited the Riverdale Farm and Toronto Necropolis in Toronto, searching for the albino bird reported last week in the Riverdale Farm and for spring migrants.
>From the main sloping hill down to the ponds, and around the Sanctuary Pond itself (pond at the bottom right as you head down the hill) I had good views of the albino bird. It is not a cardinal but I think more likely an albino sparrow, larger size, possibly a White-throated Sparrow or Fox Sparrow by size, markings and behaviour. It is quite a colourful and interesting bird. It appears to be 6" or more, typical thickness to the bill for a sparrow/large finch but pale in colour. It isn't pure white as much as a dusky white with thin light brown streaks on the upper breast and upper back and a slight tan wash to the head. It has pale pink legs and a longish tail, similar to a White-throated or Fox. It seems to be mixing well with other birds, sparrows and starlings primarily, mostly foraging on the ground. It is highly active, with a flicking tail and occasionally it will flick up the underbrush with its bill. When humans approach it is much more skittish and hides in the bushes or underbrush. When I first saw it and it lit into the middle of a bush and hid, I thought it might be an albino towhee, but later after seeing the markings and behaviour I think it more likely a sparrow. I know this may not be considered a rare bird sighting but certainly unusual and interesting. I came from a meeting so did not have my camera but it has been around the Riverdale Farm for a few days, if anyone is interested. Also in the Riverdale Farm late Monday: Black-crowned Night Heron, male Wood Duck, Belted Kingfisher and Blue-headed Vireo, among other regulars. In the Toronto Necropolis across the street, a Cooper's Hawk was building a nest in the evergreens in the far NE section of the cemetery in Section S on the upper bank. In the evergreens running along the NW fenceline of the Necropolis there were two Cape May Warblers, along with one Blackpoll, two Palm and three or four Yellow-rumped Warblers. Each year I like to tell those living in downtown Toronto that the Riverdale Farm and Toronto Necropolis are small areas but very prolific during the good days of spring migration. Good for early morning visits or after work. Directions and hours are below. The Toronto Riverdale Farm and the Toronto Necropolis are both located at the far eastern end of Winchester Street, east of Parliament Street in downtown Toronto. Parking is available on the street outside. The Farm is open from 9 a.m. to 5ish p.m. The Necropolis is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can have good birds in the evening. No dogs permitted in either location. There are several TTC routes nearby for those taking transit. >From the highway, exit off the Gardiner or Lakeshore at Parliament Street and drive north to Winchester Street and turn right (east) and drive to the very end. Theresa Dobko do...@rogers.com 416.461.2744 (Home Office) _______________________________________________ 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/
