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We had a warm (for October) windy day for our October 20th bird walk at Sam Smith Park. Andrew Keaveney led us through the south portion of the park in search of land birds and waterfowl. The highlight of the walk actually happened before the walk officially got underway when Richard Joos directed us to a Virginia Rail in the wetland right beside the parking lot. Most of the group got to see it despite the rail’s very shy nature and the fact tat we had over 30 people.
The birds were generally scarce and difficult to see. There were small flocks of Yellow-rumped Warblers flitting about in the treetops. They were our only warbler species, and are usually the last of the warblers to head south. There were also small flocks of Ruby-crowned Kinglets. They are recent arrivals who will stay around for most or all of the winter.
Waterfowl were scarce as well, with most staying well out from shore, bobbing in the waves. The waterfowl highlight was a small flock of scoters, but they were difficult to pick out as anything more than black dots due to the distance and the waves.
Despite winds that looked favourable for raptor migration, that was quiet except for a Turkey Vulture and a Northern Harrier.
This was our last walk at Sam Smith this year. Next month’s walk will be at Humber Bay East.
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