Cooper Hawk

Got a fairly early start to shooting yesterday. Was out at Fletcher's Wildlife garden at around 7:30 (boy was it cold). I think I got there a bit early as the birds were not even up yet. I first went to the feeder behind the Info Center and not much was happening. So I tried the feeders out in the open area south of the duck pond. The Chickadees were awake and so were the crows (like when do crows actually sleep). After about 10 minutes or so about 30 House Finches started flying in for breakfast, followed by a couple of Juncos. Not long this was followed by a couple of pairs of Cardinals.

Seeing as I was in the area I decided to try and find the Townsend Solitair. However I did not see it in the Juniper that it normally hangs out in. I did not want to stay too long as it is a residential area.

I next moved out to look for the Grey Partridges that were spotted by the Bell Sensplex. However there was no sign of them either.

So off to my usual standby, Shirley's Bay. There is lots of activity there on any given day. I just wanted to see if anything new had been in the area. After staying there for a bit of time I moved off to March Valley Rd. It was also pretty quiet. But one never knows when something interesting will turn up.

After touring the back roads for a while I decided to see if I could find the Red Shouldered Hawk that was seen off of Carp Road. Apparently a couple of regular birders had the same idea. So we got chatting for a bit and off in the woods we could hear a raptor call. We went looking for it from the road but to no avail. Suddenly out of nowhere a small Cooper's Hawk flew into a tree just close to where we were. Apparently he has been around people before, as he graced us with his/her presence for about 45 minutes. I have to say this was my first siting of a Cooper's Hawk and I was thinking they were bigger. However they make up for their smaller size by their attractive plumage. I have some other photographs of the Cooper's Hawk on my website www.mtcmediaproductions.com

All in all it was well worth taking a trip out to the area as there are lots of other birds to see and deer by the gazillion. Well maybe not that many but lots.

Hurdman's Area Feeders

Last Monday, February 25, 2008, I decided to go looking for the Hermit Thrush that had been frequenting the feeders at Hurdman's Station. There are two ways to get to the feeders. One is by public transport to the Hurdman's Station and then going north along the path. The feeders are about 150 yards along the path on the right side. If you want to take your own vehicle it's best to exit the Vanier parkway at Queen Mary St. At the end turn left and park at the very end of the road. Take the bike path South under the Queensway, go past the walking bridge. Turn right onto the walking path that follows the river. Look for a low gnarled tree on the left side. The path is about 50 feet further on the left. I am giving directions so you won't have to walk around the area for an hour looking for the feeders, like I did before I found them.

While walking along the path to the feeders you will notice many Mallard Ducks close to the bank, Common Goldeye are usually further out in the water. I also spotted some Mergansers close to shore. On the edge of the ice and water I also saw a pair of Greater Black Backed Gulls.

The feeders were quite busy. Besides the ever present Chickadees, there were numerous Hairy and Downy woodpeckers. About 20 winter plumaged Goldfinches. Nice to see as they were starting to get their summer colours. Maybe spring is actually around the corner after all. A few Common Redpoles were also out an about. Off in the woods a Pileated Woodpecker could be hear calling.

After about a half hour the Hermit Thrush made it's first appearance. It actually flew in when my back was turned to the feeders (the little sneak). It stayed low to the ground and was very wary of my presence. This is not the time for fast movements. It came is twice to feed and then left for about 20 minutes. It came back again to repeat the process. After the second feeding which was going on to about noon it and most of the birds stopped feeding (guess they were full).

So as I was making my way back I stopped on the walking bridge south of the Queensway to see if I could get some close pictures of the Goldeye's. While looking north I could see a small raptor circling at a very fast pace. Not thinking much of it I continued on my way back to my car. About 75 yards from the Queensway I found the raptor sitting quietly in a tree. It was very co-operative and allowed me take some good photos before taking off. I later found out that it was an juvenile Goshawk.

All in all I found the area to be quite interesting from a birding and photography aspect. I highly recommend taking some time to visit the feeders. I know I will be making it a regular on my shooting circuit.