Manitoban Driving to Toronto to See These Species

While admiring the panoramic view from a Lake Superior lookout, I met a gentleman from Manitoba and a fellow birdwatcher. He told me that he was headed to the Toronto area specifically to see three species for his life list.

#1 Kirtland’s Warbler

Kirtland’s Warbler (photo: birdwatchersjournal.com)

The Kirtland’s is a very rare warbler and, if I kept a life list, I would still be looking for it.

#2 Yellow-billed Cuckoo

This cuckoo is also uncommon although a Saturday morning TDSB group on October 23, 2021 saw this one:

Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Yellow-billed Cuckoo

#3 Willow Flycatcher

The Willow Flycatcher is replaced in the north by the Alder Flycatcher which looks exactly the same. Only the fitz-bew call differentiates it. Willow Flycatchers are somewhat common in our area. I saw this one this morning at Col. Sam Smith Park:

Willow Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher

Other birds:

Red-necked Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant (juvenile)
Red-winged Blackbird (female)
Canada Geese
Mallard (moulting male)
Ring-billed Gull
Mallard family
Mallard ducklings
Tree Swallow
Tree Swallows
Tree Swallow family
House Sparrow (male)
American Robin
Brown-headed Cowbird (male)
Yellow Warbler (female)
Cliff Swallows
Cliff Swallows
Common Tern
Common Tern
Ring-billed Gulls
Ring-billed Gull
Common Tern
Barn Swallow
Barn Swallows
Baltimore Oriole (male)
Common Grackles
Cedar Waxwing

The Strawberry, blushing, hides its modest face,
Beneath the mantling leaves.           – Rev. Dr. John Bidlake (1755–1814)

Miles Hearn

2 thoughts on “Manitoban Driving to Toronto to See These Species

  1. Gloria James

    What a difference a few months can make. The plants go through a real metamorphosis, flowers and different coloured leaves.

    Reply

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