[Ontbirds] Wilson's Snipe, King Eider, Grebes Toronto Waterfront

[Carol Horner]

Hello Ontbirders

Today Kevin Seymour, Greg Stuart, Steve Campbell, Mary Schuster and  
myself birded the base of Leslie Street Spit and Col. Sam Smith Park  
in Toronto

The highlight on the  Spit (Tommy Thompson Park) were 3 Wilson's Snipe  
seen flying over the base. Other early migrants on the base included  
Eastern Phoebe, Hermit Thrush, Eastern Meadowlark, Barn Swallow,  
Golden-crowned Kinglet and a group of 3 Northern Mockingbirds.

At Col. Sam Smith Park we were able to relocate the King Eider at the  
west end of the park, and had good scope views. This is a first winter  
male, with overall brown plumage with white breast and bright orange  
bill. There were still large numbers of Red-necked Grebes to be seen  
both on the lake south and west of the park and in the inner marina.  
There were a few Horned Grebes and 1 Pied-billed Grebe among them. We  
also found 2 White-winged Scoters. Although we did not find the  
Western Grebe, we heard that it had been seen today. An adult Cooper's  
Hawk flew low over the marina giving great binocular views. Over in  
the bowl Pine Siskins and Juncos were singing from the treetops, while  
several Fox Sparrows foraged on the ground.

Directions:

The Leslie Street Spit (Tommy Thompson Park) is located at the south  
end of Leslie Street, south of Lakeshore Blvd in Toronto.
Col. Sam Smith Park is located at the south end of Kipling Street in  
the west end of Toronto.

Good Birding

Carol Horner
Toronto
photo galleries at
www.pbase.com/carolmhorner