August 10 2025 (Sunday) Durham
Leader: Dave Worthington.
August 10 2025 (Sunday) Durham Marshes Leader: Dave & Mary Beth Worthington
On a hot August day 30 birders met at Cranberry Marsh to visit sites along the lake. We were treated to an adult Bald Eagle harassing an Osprey and four Green Heron flying above us as we gathered in the parking lot. A walk along the beach at Cranberry Marsh was highlighted by close up looks at both Virginia Rail and Sora. We next went to Whitby Harbour which provided an opportunity to study Ring-billed Gull and Herring Gulls in both adult and juvenile plumage along with loafing Caspian Terns. After stopping at the Pringle Creek bridge to see Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary and Least Sandpiper we headed over to Rotary Park in Ajax. We had our lunch by the lake then scanned the marsh and lake from the bridge over Duffins Creek. Our final stop was at Alex Robertson Park where we walked to the lake and scanned the marsh from the newly constructed boardwalk and viewing platform. Here we had nice views of a family of Wood Ducks, Common Gallinule, a juvenile Great Black-backed Gull and Common Terns out on the lake. Although there was only 1 warbler species and 4 duck species seen we still had a total of 49 bird species and 8 species of butterflies including a Giant Swallowtail and European Common Blue.
Dave Worthington
July 12 2025 (Saturday) Thickson's Point
Leader: Dave Milsom, Cathy Douglas, Brian Wales.
Thickson's Point Fieldtrip July 12th Leaders : Dave Milsom, Cathy Douglas, Brian Wales
21 birders braved the hot July heat to enjoy a pleasant hike along the trail at Thickson's Point, followed by a brief visit to Whitby Harbour, a lunch stop at Tims, and an early afternoon walk at Cranberry Marsh. We managed to find shady spots in the morning. In the afternoon a lovely breeze off Lake Ontario kept us cool. Despite this, we decided to finish the fieldtrip earlier than usual due to the hot weather. Most of the group seemed to enjoy the birding despite the lack of species at times compared to previous trips annually on this date. Highlights included the many swallows, mostly Bank, that we studied at length soaring over us and diving over the cliffs and back to their nest holes near the Point. Also notable were the sightings of 7 Orchard and 5 Baltimore orioles seen well along the trail, a Willow Flycatcher, many Yellow Warblers, Green Heron, 2 Caspian Terns, Catbird, Warbling Vireo, American Redstart, up to 10 lovely adult Cedar Waxwings, 14 Brown-headed Cowbirds, 1 of which was seen being fed by a Song Sparrow and another being fed by a Chipping Sparrow. Another highlight, particularly for photographers, was the confiding nature shown by one individual Eastern Kingbird. Whitby Harbour was not productive except for the enthralling display shown by a group of Belted Kingfishers. After lunch, we visited Cranberry Marsh. At the marsh overlook, we were entertained for several minutes by a loudly singing Marsh Wren which gave great views for all the group. Also seen well by all were Great Crested Flycatchers. At the beach along the lake, we heard more wrens, saw 4 Ospreys, 5 Killdeer, but little else. Many thanks to co-leaders Cathy and Brian, and to a wonderful group who were a pleasure to bird with.
Dave Milsom
July 5 2025 (Saturday) Rosetta McClain Gardens
Leader: Jack Alvo, John Nishikawa, Rose Petrich, Monika Croydon.
Trip report July 5, 2025: Rosetta McClain Gardens outing for Disability Pride Month
On Saturday, July 5, nine participants met at 9:30 at Rosetta McClain Gardens in Toronto. This was the third annual outing there for Disability Pride Month. The weather was very comfortable ahead of the heat wave expected later that day. The group included folks who are new to birding and others who are more experienced. The youngest was a bright and very friendly 4 year-old girl who was there with her mom.
We had a 2 hour, leisurely stroll around these lovely gardens that were donated to the city last century. Given the mostly flat terrain, plenty of shade, paths that are suitable for mobility devices, and signage in Braille, Rosetta is a perfect location for a disability outing.
As in past years, we were led around the gardens by Rose Petrich, who knows the area intimately as she often visits. In addition to helping us find birds (26 species in all), Rose pointed out a number of nest locations including Northern Flicker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Baltimore Oriole and White-breasted Nuthatch. While those nests are empty by now, we did see all of those birds including some fledglings.
This annual outing is co-sponsored by Ontario Field Ornithologists, Toronto Ornithological Club, and Accessibirdies. A big thanks to my co-leaders Rose Petrich, Monika Croydon and John Nishikawa.
Jack Alvo
