As I discussed in my September 4 weblog, Rouge Park is on the easternmost fringe of Toronto. It’s an city park and you may take public transportation to get there. However, the park is sprawling and driving there’s a higher choice.
Bobolink
When my birding buddy and I determine it’s quiet at our different favorite spots, we get my obliging husband to drive us up and across the Rouge. Farmland has been grandfathered into the park, so we try the fields in all seasons. Within the spring and summer season, there are Bobolink, sparrows, and Jap Bluebird. There is perhaps a Northern Harrier, searching the fields. Within the fall and winter, there are Horned Lark and Snow Bunting. Generally, there’s a Northern Shrike, perched on a phone wire. Within the fall, giant flocks of American Crow and Canada Geese feed on the leftover corn within the farm fields. We use our scopes to examine the flocks of geese for Cackling Goose, Snow Goose, or perhaps a uncommon Higher White-Fronted Goose. Generally, we’ll see migrating raptors. One time, we had a household of 4 Golden Eagles fly by us. In all seasons, we search for Wild Turkey, though the coyotes within the park preserve their numbers down.
Wild Turkey
One spot we love to go to within the park is Decrease Reesor Pond. You may stand on the embankments and scope the pond. All kinds of birds nest there. We see Jap Kingbird, Swamp Sparrow, and American Goldfinch. Hiding within the reeds are Inexperienced Heron, American Bittern, Sora, and Virginia Rail. On the water, there are normally a pair of Tundra Swan, Mallard, and Canada Geese. Additionally discovered with them are Pied-billed Grebe, with their vibrant younger (see photograph at high of weblog). The pond’s nursery is rounded out with the ducklings of Wooden Duck and Hooded Merganser. Overhead, Barn, Tree, and Northern Tough-Winged Swallows hawk for bugs. Sometimes, a Purple-tailed Hawk or an Osprey will cruise overhead. One time, we heard a Barred Owl, which was being mobbed by crows. When the pond waters should not too excessive, we are able to see shorebirds on the mudflats. We get Killdeer, Noticed Sandpiper, and Higher and Lesser Yellowlegs. Lately, we discovered a household of Widespread Gallinule which is a Toronto rarity.
Inexperienced Heron
There are numerous spots to park after which go mountaineering within the woods. In case you are driving the roads and cease, look ahead to native drivers. They aren’t so affected person with slower visitors or vehicles stopped on the roads’ edges. Should you park at Reesor Pond, be careful for the native police. They often will ticket vehicles left there.
Rouge Park is someplace to spend the entire day, having fun with every thing it has to supply. The roadways are scenic, as you cross bridges over the Rouge River or drive down nation roads. Within the spring, there’s all the brand new greenery and hen music. Within the fall, there are the attractive, colored leaves on the bushes and migrating birds. Within the winter, bundle up as a result of there’s snow on the bottom and chilly winds blowing over the fields. It’s nonetheless value visiting the park then, as a result of there’s nonetheless all the time one thing fascinating to see.
Word: All images are from Wikimedia Commons, a web-based supply of copyright-free images.
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