Until the 1980’s, there was a Domtar chemical plant by the Don River just east of Pottery Road. Vehicles used to rumble down a road beside the river to and from. Trucks laden with snow from city streets also came down this road to dump their snow. Not a good idea as it eventually melted and many pollutants found their way into the river.
Frequent floods enabled water to enter the chemical plant and it was eventually closed and the area re-naturalized.
MYSTERY BIRD
I will identify it at the end of the post.
The former industrial road has been narrowed and is used as a walking, jogging and cycling trail. I went out at dawn on this day to have a look.
Some botany:
MYSTERY BIRD
Gray overall with a dark cap and usually singing from a concealed location identifies the Gray Catbird.
MAILBOX
Beware, Scarborough hikers. The dangerous cow parsnip is flourishing in a Bluffs woodlot in the Guild Inn Park and Gardens – thestar.com
NATURE POETRY
The moon, rising, is a white eye to the hills;
After it has risen, it is the bright heart of the sea.
Because I love it—so—round as a fan,
I hum songs until the dawn. – Li Po (701–762)
Miles Hearn
I got it! The mystery bird. Not the “Grey” part, but the “Catbird” part.
I love this place. It looks wonderful wet by the rain, too. You certainly went at the right time–I hear it has become very busy. Great botany. Thanks, Miles!