As I discussed in my September 4 weblog, Rouge Park is on the easternmost fringe of Toronto. It’s an city park and you’ll 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 take a look at the fields in all seasons. Within the spring and summer time, there are Bobolink, sparrows, and Japanese Bluebird. There is likely to be a Northern Harrier, looking the fields. Within the fall and winter, there are Horned Lark and Snow Bunting. Typically, 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 verify the flocks of geese for Cackling Goose, Snow Goose, or perhaps a uncommon Higher White-Fronted Goose. Typically, we are going to 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 hold 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 Japanese 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. Often, a Pink-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 will not be too excessive, we are able to see shorebirds on the mudflats. We get Killdeer, Noticed Sandpiper, and Higher and Lesser Yellowlegs. Not too long ago, we discovered a household of Frequent Gallinule which is a Toronto rarity.
Inexperienced Heron
There are lots of spots to park after which go mountain climbing within the woods. In case you are driving the roads and cease, look ahead to native drivers. They don’t seem to be so affected person with slower site visitors or vehicles stopped on the roads’ edges. If you happen to park at Reesor Pond, be careful for the native police. They generally will ticket vehicles left there.
Rouge Park is someplace to spend the entire day, having fun with every part 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 may be all the brand new greenery and chicken tune. Within the fall, there are the attractive, colored leaves on the timber and migrating birds. Within the winter, bundle up as a result of there may be snow on the bottom and chilly winds blowing over the fields. It’s nonetheless value visiting the park then, as a result of there may be nonetheless all the time one thing fascinating to see.
Notice: All images are from Wikimedia Commons, a web-based supply of copyright-free images.