Island Birds...

After visiting St. Lawrence Market for a few provisions I decided to spend a few hours on Toronto Island photographing some birds. I didn't arrive at Centre Island until well after 10, so bird activity was a bit slow. However, it was immediately obvious that there were a few migrants around. Mostly common species like Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and White-throated Sparrows, but also a nice selection of other early spring migrants.

I had variable luck with the camera. There were quite a few people out and about and it was a bit sunny for some of the time with rather harsh light. I did get to photograph a few birds though, with much patience and a little luck. Again, there is nothing special here just a few nice-looking birds that anyone can see at this time of year should they choose to do so...

The bird above is a female Downy Woodpecker. I watched her for some time as she inspected the craggy bark of a large Cottonwood, quite successfully I might add.


A stunning male Yellow-rumped Warbler - a sure sign that spring has arrived! I much prefer the name Myrtle Warbler for this handsome bird. I well remember looking at photos of the first ever "Myrtle" Warbler to show up in UK many years ago and wishing that one day I might see this species myself. Well, these days that particular wish isn't too difficult to grant...


A nice male Pine Warbler. At this time there are always a few Pine Warblers mixed in with the Yellow-rumps. They often give away their presence with their silvery trill of a song. A subtle beauty, the male is easy to recognize. The females on the other hand can be extremely dull and boring!


Another warbler that is common early on is this one, the chestnut-capped Palm Warbler. These tail-wagging warblers are as likely to be found lurking amongst the leaf litter on the ground as they are high in the canopy.


The gentle-looking Field Sparrow has always been a personal favorite. But it's difficult for such a "sparrow man" to have a favorite when the whole family is such a big draw. However, I do like this one. The bouncing ball song is characteristic when one encounters them in habitat, though they are mostly silent on migration.


The long dry trill of the dapper Chipping Sparrow is a characteristic sound in southern Ontario. A small, slim sparrow, the Chipper is common in gardens, fields and woodland edge.


Lastly a lovely male American Goldfinch that is almost in full breeding, or alternate, plumage. A common bird, we even have them nesting just outside our garden here in the middle of Toronto.

Right, if only I could catch some moths to show you! Has been pitifully poor around here thus far this spring... at least it can only go uphill from here!