This was my 3rd TDSB group visit to Downsview Park and, once again, both Short and Long-eared Owls were easy to find.

What appear to be ears on these owls are actually tufts made up of feathers. I’m told that these are display feathers which indicate an owl’s mood, sort of like how a cat swivels its ears to signify how it feels.

Other birds:

Park scenes:

Some botany:

Today’s group:

Judy-Ann Cazemier has been attending TDSB walks for a number of years. She is a first class photographer who was and is very helpful to me in my own photography.

Judy has just published a book which is a tour of bird life through Toronto’s best known parks. Some of the stories and photos come from our walks.

I highly recommend it!

The link is: https://judy-ann-cazemier-photography.square.site/

NATURE POETRY

Here in the time of the Winter morn, Love,
I see the Sunlit leaves of changing hue
Burn clear against a sky of tender blue,
Here in the time of the Winter morn, Love.     – William H.A. Moore (published in 1922)

Miles Hearn